'Battle? who had a battle?'
Like lighting it struck her hard and fast. Trotting to her Trainers bed she began to nudge her with the slider muzzle. Rocking her shoulder back and forth. Getting her Trainer up seemed to be a tidies task. Eyes opening, motion of rubbing the sleep form them and the standing to stretching routine seemed even longer.
"Morning Fern. Up early as always."
(Yes, yes. Now come, get ready. I will not be late for my beloved's battle.)
Giving a shove to get moving was unlike Fern in the morning. She was usually easy going, a time taker. Akia was in the bathroom now, getting ready. Fern was brushing her fur down to look nice for the Knight that awaited her. She knew he'd come around. He just needed a push or two, maybe even a few.
(Ahhahaha. You're a foolish fox, if thinking that after last night's signs.)
She turned to the purple one that spoke. Still laying on the bed with her Trainer Rosebe's arm still around her. The brush gave another stroke going down golden locks.
(What do you mean?)
(Did you not see the way he retreated to his Mistress' side?)
(His shy. Thats all.)
Mango shook her head, this fox was in denial. Perfect, all the more entertainment, but so stupid as well. Where the young really so foolish? This one was and she refused to see the light.
(Revolver? His name, yes?)
Fern nodded at her words, the picture of Revolver, her and little ones running around distracted the mind form Mango's lecture. Like she needed to hear another after that last one bout the Corphish and Wishcash.
(So as you-didn't even hear me... I don't want to hear it when you get hurt. I will laugh.)
Fern was off in her own little world, only being brought out of it when the clock struck nine 'o'clock, the bell ringing nine times. Looking around she was satisfied to know that everyone was ready to go. Akia stood checking her Poke-Gear, Rosebe in the bathroom adding final touches on her hair, and lastly Mango getting off her lazy bum. Following Fern out the door and to the Gym, her heart racing as they came closer. The building within sight, and distance.
Two figures stood in the distance, one waving to them while the other looked at them. It was HER and HIM. The pace at which her heart picked up speed was too much for her. Her fur was good at a few things and covering a blush was one of them she was thankful for.
"You must be..Akia and Rosebe, correct?"
"Yupe, you know who we are. Yet we don't know you."
Akia's mind knew this guy from somewhere. Thinking, the wheels turned by the little Pachirisu in her head. Fern on the other hand was red with frustration. It hadn't been who she had thought it was.
"Flint."
"Rosebe and Mango."
"Esp..."
Board was all she could say. So what if this was one of the Elite Four, big deal she had more magikrap to fry. Behind him she could see the Infernape of power. His star player in the game of battling.
"Akia and Fern."
"Nine..."
Equally board as her 'friend', Fern was not amused by the man or fire type in front of them. Wanting to see her beloved was one thing, the other the battle. For the first time she would get to see him in action. He mind began to wonder as she imagined his fur slick form the work out, his tongue hanging from his muzzle. The motion of his muscles as they rippled below a velvet coat.
"How did you know we where?"
Rosebe's voice caught Mango's attention. She was right how did HE of all people know of little Trainers like these people. Mango may have be ok with Rosebe for the time but she wanted bigger things to happen, a bigger better Trainer. One that could give her the world. ...And yet still more.
"Well for one neither of you have a Lucario-"
"I do, left him at the Pok mon Center. Had some really bad breath and fangs aches. Nurse Joy said he'd be fine."
Rosebe's voice cut in again. Her mind was like an open book. But played like a record.
"Named Revolver, nor do either of you look like the lass form last night who came up to Volkner about the details."
The trainers continued to talk. The end of Fern's tail becoming on end as she waited for her beloved jackal. So shy was he, to think that she would win his heart and they would be a family. Something she now wanted. But a sudden question popped into her mind. Whose Trainer would they go with? Hers of course. None of that kinda food that other one fixed, nasty really.
They followed Flint into the Gym, which was surprisingly empty for a battle soon. The stands sat empty, the place echoed a lot more. The footsteps squeaking as they walked, nails and pads of feet stuck to the floor.
"So where is everyone?"
"This is a private match, well all but a few. Me, you guys, and Volkner's Cousin whos in town."
The door they entered lead them to the living part of the Gym, where they saw Volkner and a girl. His cousin most likely. With them they say a Raichu and Umbreon.
"Got the challengers guest. But still no Challenger."
"Hey I'm Volkner. This is Blossom."
"Hey."
The girl, Blossom, waved to them. The wheels began to turn again. Where? When? Why?
"I feel like I've seen you before?"
Akia voiced this, the feeling nagging at her. Like trying to feel a void.
"You should. I was at Karaoke night, and when ya'll walked into the bar earlier. I was the one sitting on the stool."
"That's right."
"HELLO?!"
"Speak of the she-devil and she shall appear. Looks like Wynn is here."
Standing everyone made their way to the Challenger. Who awaited on the other side of the battle field. Her arms crossed, head high and Pok mon at her side. Volkner took her confidence stance all in. She seemed so sure of herself. Granbull, Lucario, who he assumed was Revolver. The one who came to him on her behalf yesterday.
"You remember Revolver. This Rifle, my Granbull."
"I think I misunderstand what this battle will prove, ...if not for the badge."
"Is it wrong to ask for a battle, Trainer to Trainer?"
"Ahhahaha, I see. Alright, Trainer to Trainer."
Blossom, along with the others took their seats in the stands. Akia and Rosebe both on the Challenger's side, Her and Flint on Volkner's side. Yesterday at the Bar this girl had hardly said anything to actually give her an idea of her personality. She had sat and stared out the window in her own little world. She might have been a tough nut to crack, but with enough force any nut could be cracked. So the question remained, how much force would it take to crack this nut?
"If it's alright with you I'd like to do a three on three."
"First one to lose all three is out?"
"Ok. Rock'n'Roll Rifle."
With a swing of her head Wynter set into motion the start of the battle. The heavy set jaw of Rifle, clamped shut, echoing the sound of bone on bone as fangs meet.
"Graaaaaaannnnnnnbuuuuuulllll l!"
The floppy eared, over grown puppy jumped onto the field. Dust spread as she wiped her paws this way and that. Glaring at the Trainer opponent. Who picked a Poke ball and threw it.
"Go Luxray!"
The ample feline came out of the pokeball in a shining glory. Fur bouncing as it moved, large paws held up the massive build it had. Close inspection would have told the many stories of battles and years of training.
"LUXRAY!"
"Rifle, Bulk Up."
Rippling muscles under velvet fur bulged, flowing new power as it came.
"Luxray Shockwave!"
The electricity building up shortly out blue as it came to light. Flashing across the distance taking hold of the canine across it. The impulse running through the body dealing damage. Rifle shook her body feeling the tingling after effects.
"Bulk up!"
Again the muscles rippled like water, flowing, showing off once more. Another shockwave came, this time moving a step to the right. Luxray growled in frustration, to knock the dog out would mean one win and one less enemy. One step closer to victory.
The battle continued on as Fern watched from the stands. Just looking at him was something to behold. For the simple reason he was not his que to go on she would ignore the battle until his turn. Her thoughts distracted her even more form it, of what she would say to him after they had won. Would she offer to take him for a romantic walk on the beach to celebrate, her treat. Would she offer one of her poffins? Maybe he didn't like Poffins period. Or maybe she could make him a scarf, when he would receive it he would show his gratitude by wearing it and promising to never take it off. Then afterwards she would convince her Trainer to trade someone for him, that way they could be together forever.
(Get your head out of the clouds Fern, it will never happen. His to attached to his Trainer. Why else would he go to her for comfort?)
The sigh escaped her muzzle. She had already explained this to the purple vixen. Once more then.
(Because that human female has somehow forced him to. Why else would he? When he could come to my embrace and I would take care of him for the rest of our days. As long as I am with him I wouldn't rightfully care what happened?)
(What about if he rejects you right off the Crobat?)
(He won't. His too much of a gentleman.)
The purple vixen let out a laugh that was sure to have been heard even to the humans, but alas it seems to have not. Frustration was what grew in the pit of Fern's stomach, she would show the old one, and show her good.
Mango knew all too well what would happen to the young vixen's heart. Broken and beaten. Stepped on and cracked, like glass. Even after the many warnings she would not listen. So be it. Then just to enjoy the entertainment, and clear satisfaction of "I told you so." when the time came. Cruel as it maybe she enjoyed it when she was proven right. All the more reason why more young should listen to the elders. After all who else would pass on what they know. Certainly not the stupid and ignorant.
Fern was newer, not having been long with them. The Trainer Akia, the team even. So she wouldn't know the crew's stories like she did. She would admit that she was a gossip, but she also had morals and knew when to speak or hold her tongue.
Attention came back to the other entertainment for a boarding day, until their turn. It would seem that Rifle, an old team player, had taken the beatings dished out, but not before dishing out her own counter measures. This feline was would be easy to pick for Thyme. His strength so far had only been matched by that of Bone. Entertainment came form must, but these two, Bone and Thyme, had in her many years, been the most fun. When they had found out that their Trainers friend, the female battling, had a Charmander egg after they had come out of the Characific Valley. Thyme and Bone had both been guarding it. When asked about it they had said nothing. Amongst the Pok mon rumors and myths had spread that one of them was the father, being yet denied nor confirmed.
But that was a story for another time, her mind was getting away from the entertainment at hand.
"Metronome!"
Both Pok mon gave heaved breaths, each tired form this very battle. Luxray's eyes followed the motion of Rifle's paws, like hunter cornering prey. They glowed as they swung back and forth. Power building, until the glow gave way and a room formed around the battle field.
"HELL YES! TRICK ROOM!"
Rosebe's bold statement came home as it registered in both Wynter and Volkner's minds. Trick Room allowed the slower Pok mon to move first. With Rifle being slower then Luxray maybe this was her chance to have the upper hand.
"Luxray Shockwave, hold it!"
Volkner called the attack anyway as it charged, knowing she would be able to come in close, that would be when he struck. Rife moved in knowing full well what attack her Mistress would call thus getting in position.
"Close Combat!"
This was what he was waiting for, his chance and he was taking it. Time seem to slow down as Rifle moved in front paws up, coming in. Jaw set, eye slits, muscles pumped.
"Thunder Fang!"
The last ditch attack came soon and struck home. Luxray hand a hold on Rifle and wasn't letting go, static clinging to both as even Rife fought back with the given move. Landing strike after strike, dealing damage as the static worked its way up. Blow after blow after blow, Luxray was getting the full dose, dealing extra damage since it was his very weakness.
"Grannn..."
Wynter watched as the static paralyzed her battling Pok mon. Clinging, building up inside the fur making it all the more effective. Leaving them open for an attack.
"Luxxxx...ray?"
He collapsed as the attack took effect on the enemy dog. Having given his all he had done the team a world of good and would not have fallen in vain. Rifle stood, tired, paralyzed, and breathing hard.
"Rifle, Come on back."
"Gran?"
The over grown puppy slowly bound over toward her Trainer, static still effecting her as she walked to rest on the side lines until she was called for again.
"Thanks Luxray, you did a great job."
Placing the pokeball on his belt and pulling another out. Throwing it his second Pok mon came out to play.
"Go Jolteon!"
"JOLT!"
Rifle took a look at her opponent, sure she could take another. This one was smaller which would make her still faster thanks to the ability of Trick Room. Her eyes meet with Wynter's. If she was so sure, then she wouldn't be switched.
"YEAH COME WYN, WIN IT!"
The voices of friends echoed in the Gym, if it hadn't been a private match then the hole stands would have been filled. Voices cheering, people shouting.
"BEAT HIM AND SHOW US WHAT THE TRAINING HAS DONE!"
"OK, OK I HEAR YA! SHUT UP AND LET US BATTLE!"
"GRANBULL!"
"NIIIINE!"
"SEE EVEN FERN IS CHEERING FOR YA!"
The witty banter traded between the Trainers as the words reached Revolver's ears, causing a blush to form ion his muzzle. Which was unnoticed by the Mistress. Thankful he simply nodded his head to his number one fan in the stands. Maybe his only one.
"I'll stay with Rifle."
"Alright, if your sure."
"COME ON VOLK! KICK-"
"BLOSSOM!"
"WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY BUTT!"
"JOLT-JOLT!"
"OK, ok see if I cheer for you anymore."
Jolteon shook his head. Enough stalling, time to get on with the action. Staring at his opponent, another female, great. Was he always going to beat up female or was he going to fight a male anytime soon. Most Trainers that walked in has females. Made him feel kinda bad which turned into him getting knocked out a lot more. Not this time.
"Rifle, Earthquake!"
"GRANBULL!"
The fierce way it was said seemed to be the cause of the shaking of the ground now. The way it shook, this and that, rock jutting out, some of the ceiling falling almost hitting Jolteon as he dodge his best. Crumbling, it didn't let up as Rifle gave another battle cry and it shook even harder it seemed. Just another dose as finally Jolteon came tumbling down.
"Jolteon! Can ya get up?"
The yellow fox nodded his head, seeing stars and twice of everything. Standing slowly he focused. Definitely have to stop going easy on females.
"Grannnnnn!"
What did it take to knock him off his feet. Once more.
"Jolteon Thunderbolt!"
You could hear the electricity as it crackled, sparking as it gathered.
"Dig!"
Time moved slowly as the Thunderbolt charged and hit Rifle, immobilizing her where she stood, face frist in the ground. She should have been faster the him, she was faster than him. How could he have hit her when Trick Room was in effect? The battle was a turn around again. Wynter's face turned to shock as she watched the Pok mon keep at it.
"Rifle DIG!"
Unresponsive. Rifle tried moving but barley twitch. The only thing that could be done was watch until he finished the attack. With Paralyzes in effect not much could be done. Jolteon gave the blast his full spirit. He was going to finish this off now and that was that. Rifle gave grunts as the damage already done came full force within her system. She had been wrong, she should have trusted her Trainer deception. On the sidelines was where she should have been. With energy low, she didn't know if she could go on. It was all she could give after the fight with the feline. She fell hard, twitching as the attack ceased. Feeling the beam take her so she could rest.
"Good girl, Rifle."
With her hand in a side pouch, the large puppy returned, tucked safely away. Her head moved, Revolver was up. Time to show them what he had learned since last time they'd meet in Johto. The Lucario step forth.
(Good luck, sweety!)
Looking over to where the shout was coming form he saw Fern waving a paw and winking at him. Putting his paw to his face, shaking it.
(Is that your mate?)
Wide eyed he looked up. Mate? Mate? How could he say that female was anything in anyway, that way to him.
(No. A-)
At a loss for words he looked at her, her Trainer and the other one laughed. They seemed to have learned what she was saying. His head hung.
(A very big fan.)
(Good luck with that.)
(Thank you.)
"Revolver, focus. It's alright."
He nodded. She still though he was nerves around other stranger males. She had every right to be, but he was fine, a little nerves, but mostly fine. If he could win this battle then it would prove that he was getting better. Not just in battling either, but many more things as well. Human males on the other hand were a different story.
"Bone Rush!"
Grabbing at nothing, with paws together, spreading them the bone materialized. Dashing ford with killer instincts. Bringing it down on the poor foxes head.
"Dodge! Then Shadow Ball!"
As it came closer, his image blurred, having missed. The purple ball smashed back, hitting the batter. Strike one. He had to hit the opponent, otherwise he knew nothing had changed. His paws still quacked, his tongue still hung, and his knees almost gave out.
"Again, Bone Rush!"
The material bone appeared again, dashing forth once more.
"Bite!"
Jolteon took the ground between them, closing it. Biting down onto the bone and slung poor Revolver over into the ground he was just standing on. The Bone Rush was canceled and he was left spiraled out on the floor. Jolteon having turned to face him again. Revolver slowly moved to being quadrupedal shaky, but alright.
"Water Pulse!"
The water gathered this time at his mouth as he stood there on all fours. Jolteon at such close proximity couldn't dodge this one.
"Quick Attack!"
The two shot like bullets, the water coming on like waves covering the field in seconds. Jolteon jump only to get caught in the one of the few waves after the first. Air cut off, damaging him as he swam to the surface.
"Rawr...Rawr..."
Revolver's breathing came out hard. He had done it, passed strike two and nailed the enemy. He stood bipedal now, still on shaky knees. He looked to his Mistress, looking for approval. She stared, that wasn't a good sign.
"Focus!"
He looked back to the field, the battle still not yet over, his enemy had yet to fall. There he stood, war yet won.
"Time for that new move, Heal Pulse!"
"Intervene with Quick Attack back to back!"
"JOLT!"
"Use Detect back to back, along with Heal Pulse!"
The paws of the jackal began to glow, to pull this off he'd have to focus like his Mistress had said countless times before. His pride was slowly coming about form not having any for many years. The yellow and white opponent came full circle as the light on his pads began to glow brighter, more power collecting. As he pulled it forth, there was a jump, the cousion making the first move. Using what little aura he had, summoned forth time itself. Moving slowly he was able to dodge the attacks coming in, all the while able to keep gathering energy for Heal Pulse. It came again, taking time itself and moving once again.
Jolteon heaved as he took a breath. Why wasn't he hitting the jackal? He was dead on. Maybe the female's Trick Room had worn off. That was it, ok so? He was slower, but more powerful.
The barrage of attacks continued, but not one would hit the duel using jackal. His training having paid off. His heart pounded, feeling the effects of Heal Pulse as it coursed through his beaten body.
"Finish it Revolver with Metal Claw."
Revolver sprung forth, his only remaining spike glowing a silverish color as it extended, three claws replacing the one.
"Jolteon! DODGE!"
Volkner watched as Jolteon moved out of the way with what little strength he had left. Noting how the Lucario moved, noticed how he only had one spike on his right paw, which was now a full blown Metal Claw. His mind left the battle field for a brief moment. Wondering why they were missing. He fully took in the Lucario's behavior when they had first met, he seemed to not want anything to do with the Gym Leader. His behavior in battle, the smallest of things but still there. He always backed away after executing an attack close up, moving close as possible to his Trainer and yet still inside the battle field. He'd have to ask this questions to the very one giving him commands.
"JOLT!"
Laying outside the ring lay Jolteon, knocked completely out cold. Because his mind had wondered, it cost him.
"VOLKNER! WhAT THE-"
"Language Sunnyside, we have guests."
"Yeah, Sun'nnnne Side!"
Flint gave a playful shove to Blossom as she leaned over the railing fist in the air shaking it at her cousin, almost falling over it if she hadn't grabbed the very thing. Balancing herself she turned quickly to the shover. Arms crossed and a evil smile on her face.
"You stuffy shirted, poofy mop head!"
"Thats better."
"Whatever, now kick her two ways to sunday!"
"Then I would miss my performance."
The way his Mistress had made, what had she called it, a joke? Had gained laugher form the others, these 'jokes' still vexed him. He simply could not see how they were funny, yet found himself stifling a laugh and could only allow himself a smile, which rarely graced his muzzle. He turned back to watch his Mistress. She gave a motion to coaching the Gym Leader to bring his own Pok mon out.
"I'll stick with Revolver, my last Pok mon has yet to-"
"Maro maro-wak wak wak marowak."
"Never mind she's here."
All heads turned to look back at the Marowak that entered. Using its own thick club as a walking stick. Cracks and chunks of bone missing from the skull. Rough, jagged edges along the thing as well. She was old, just by looking at her someone could tell she was up in her years. How old, not even Wynter knew herself.
"Pistol, how was the walk?"
"Wak!"
The, now named, Marowak used her unoccupied to wave her off as she spoke. Taking a seat next her as she locked eyes with Revolver. Placing his paws together he gave her a bow, having learned long ago to respect her and you won't get hurt. Volkner nodded, looking at Wynter, who gave the go ahead that she was still sticking with her current Pok mon. He pulled out his last Pok mon's pokeball and threw it. The light forming something large.
"Electivire!"
The beast flexed its arms as he hoped form one leg to the other, showing off his agility. Almost mockingly. Revolver took a deep breath. His smile now a firm lime across his muzzle.
"Fire Punch!"
The first move called. Electivire moved, charging up as he came in for the first sweep. Revolver gracefully back flipping out of the way.
"Time to put the 'moves' on him. Use Close Combat!"
Revolver had no idea if her so called 'jokes' were timed or just witty banter. His tiny voice also told him that there was another thing he was forgetting. But not being able to think at the moment. Steeling himself, charging forth, another fire punch coming his way. Side stepping it only to get hit by the other that he was unable to dodge. Resulting in him backsliding.
"REVOLVER!"
"Rawr."
Still standing, Revolver took the chance to shake himself off. The last move having causing double the damage. His breathing hard, but pushed forth. He would endure this until his body gave out. He had already taken out one, two would be great, but almost impossible.
"Close Combat!"
"Fire Punch again!"
The speed he once had dwindled, his stamina close to running out. His opponent still fresh, bouncing around, showing off. Each charging, meeting a punch for a punch or a kick to a punch. Almost like a dance, one step, two step, repeat. Over hand, under hand, block, dodge. A song and dance that happened every time, yet different each time. An art in which no words were needed. A test of strength and will power. Until one over powered the other.
Revolver took a blow to the torso, sending him reeling. Once again on the floor of the gym. Electivire bouncing once again on his toes. His hand waving to the Lucario.
(Come. You still have fight in you. Is that all the fight you have? Seriously?)
(Keep your tongue in check.)
(Excuse me? I didn't hear the little puppy.)
(Keep!)
In the step it took to reach the overgrown fuzz ball, he had already pushed him back, the blows hitting him across the face. Shoving him back. Revolver's attitude had changed it seemed. The old Pok mon taking this into account. His strength showing true like it should have long ago.
(Your!)
Over half the field he'd been pushed over. Revolver's relentless attacks never ceasing. Electivire could do little as the Lucario gave more shove then pull. Only being able to bring his arms up to defend. If he didn't do something fast he would surely lose. This he could not allow. He had to back up his talk. Otherwise he was no better than a coward.
(Tongue SHUT!)
His final hit made contact with his forehead, causing the opponent to be spiraled onto the ground for once. The force almost being a K.O. His point made Revolver suddenly felt the weight in which he had put himself in.
"Electivire?! GET UP! BEAT HIM! BEAT HER! YOUR BETTER THEN THAT!"
"COME ON REVOLVER!"
"KICK'N'ASS AND SHOWN WHOSE BOSS!"
(BEAT THE PANTS OFF HIM, MY LOVE!)
Revolver could only whine as she called to him. His biggest problem yet. She was starting to get there more than a fan. He looked at his Mistress.
Just a small sign was all he asked for. Their eyes meet, a small glint in her eye was all he wanted, and he received. He could read it like an open book, 'Just a little more'. He felt it as well, reading her aura, what little he could.
"Electivire, can you get up?"
"Elec Tivire!"
Volkner smirked, he hadn't expected the Lucario to so well. Things could came at all angles. This defiantly was a fight to the finish. He wonder though, what had Electivire said to set the Lucario off? Where did that hidden strength come from?
"Alright, Let's finish this-"
The voice reached the ears of partners at the same time. In synce they seemed to be.
"Aura Sphere!"
"Light up the place with Thunder!"
Electivire swung his arms around and around, creating a charge to get started, the sparks flowing off him like water. On the opposite end Revolver gathered just as much energy as the blue sphere crackled with Aura. One final attack from both sides, all or nothing, this decide of Volkner moved on to her last Pok mon or did he lose?
The wave of energy clashed as they released the bolt and sphere, colliding sending shock waves, knocking dirt and dust across the field. It settled slowly. A small crater were the attacks met could be seen. Both Pok mon also laying on the ground, out like a log.
Three days, that was all. And here he stood, badge in hand already moving on through the blizzard. Pok mon Training and then the last badge would also be his. But where? SunnyShore was out of the question, wasn't worth even thinking about. So to where? He'd think about it later, right now it was freezing. The perfect time to train as he walked on.
Everything checked out. The water was back to normal and Magikrap healthy. Umbreon, this time, had accompanied him. Planning on moving on from here, his work done. All three lakes were alright now. Everything a OK. So what now. Back to Professor Rowan's? He'd think as he travel a little further before deciding.