Chapter 4: Panic at the Pagoda
The purple sky lay across the horizon in front of the duo as they entered Violet City. The sun was already set, but a small amount a light illuminated the gloomy-like city. As they kept walking, the first building in sight was the Pokecenter.
"Hey, Seratus. Let's go ask Nurse Joy about Violet City," Alisha asked walking ahead to the glass doors.
"Good idea. We can get some rest before we challenge Falkner."
As they both walked into the door, Nurse Joy stood at the counter. She looked exactly like the Nurse Joy the trainers met at Cherrygrove City, and next to her a Chansey. "Good evening. How can I help you?"
"Oh, Nurse Joy," Alisha started, "We just arrived and wonder if there was anything worth seeing while we're here."
"Trainers preparing to face Falkner are you. Well, before you challenge him, you could get some extra training at Bellsprout Tower."
"Bellsprout Tower?" they both asked.
"It is a large tower home to sages that revere Bellsprout. Many of them use Bellsprout to battle trainers on the upper floors. There is red-hair trainer that is about to head over there. Why don't you go with him and learn more about the tower as you train?
"Red-hair?" Alisha asked surprised.
"Silver," Seratus added under his breath. The flashback of how Chikorita made quick work of his Totodile ran rapid through his mind. "I hope that Chikorita is doing ok."
"There he is," Alisha pointed to Silver. Silver had just come out of the restroom and still held a cold look in his eyes.
"I see you two finally caught up," he said with a sneer. "I take it you're also heading over to Bellsprout Tower to train your pathetic pokemon?"
"Our pokemon are not weak," Seratus added.
"Seratus, please settle down," Alisha said wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "You need to relax." She turned her attention to Silver, "If our pokemon are pathetic, then you have no problems heading out together then?"
"None whatsoever," he said. "This will just give me a chance to show off my strong pokemon. Plus, I can use Chikorita to show how weak Bellsprout reall is," he added chuckling a little.
Seratus could feel Alisha tense her arm, "What did you say about Bellsprout?" Alisha said snarling.
"Look, babe…"
"Don't call me babe. The name is Alisha."
"Well, whatever. As far as grass types are concerned, my Chikorita is the best. So, if you have a love for Bellsprout, I suggest you stay here."
"Let's just get going," she growled.
The trio walked out, and in the few minutes that they talked, the stars were already sprinkled across the black sky. Street lamps lit the path, and Silver took a small lead, while Seratus and Alisha fell back walk side by side. After walking north a few yards, they could make a faint glow of light peaking over the black sky.
"Welcome to Bellsprout Tower," an older man said. He was a stout man with an ashy hair that was trimmed closed to the scalp. He wore a purple robe topped with a prayer bead necklace. In a serene voice he continued. "Have you come to learn about the holy Bellsprout?"
Silver started his answer, "No. I came to challenge the Bellsprout trainers to make myself stronger. I do not want a history lesson on why you believe in training weak pokemon."
"Well then," the man said. "I'm sorry you feel that way, but if you feel that way, work your way to the top where Elder Li is waiting."
"Well, losers," he went on. "I guess this is good bye." Silver walked on in.
"What about you two? What do you want?"
Seratus stepped forward, "Well, I want to be the very best Pokemon Master. But to that, I know I need to work hard with my pokemon and I want to learn everything I can about pokemon."
Alisha added "I also want to do that. And since I caught a Bellsprout, maybe you could tell us more about this tower and its important."
"Very well," he said with a smile. "Legend has it that long ago a hundred-foot tall Bellsprout once stood at this exact spot. In fact, many legends suggest that sway pillar that support the tower is the Bellsprout that the sages of old built around. In honor of that Bellsrpout, we sages work very hard with Bellsprout in order to understand them. The pillar absorbs the shocks from the intense battles we offer to trainers who wish to test their skills against Elder Li. The pillar also guards against earthquakes as we had a massive one a couple of generations ago. The tower stood proud giving the people hope that no matter how much it bends, it will not break. So, in part of that, we must allow for some bending in our lives, but at the same time, we cannot afford to be broken.
"That sounds incredible," Alisha said still in awe.
"I'm not sure I get it," Seratus said puzzled.
The sage reached into his pockets and pulled out two similar looking sticks. "One stick is flexible and the other is rigid. Look at the flexible stick," and he pulled the ends to each other. The tension forced an arc like shape and he released it back.
"But couldn't you do that with the other stick as well?"
"You try it then," he said handing the Seratus the stick. "Bend it and see what happens."
Seratus slowly tried to fold the stick, and before putting too much pressure on it, a loud crack echoed of the black sky and he stood there puzzled. "Why didn't it bend like the other stick?"
"Just as each stick is different, so is each person. Some people are too stern and break at the slightest bit of force while others can bend and bounce back."
"I think, I get it," Seratus said having a better understanding.
"Very good. Please proceed."
As they entered the tall wooden pagoda, thunderous roars echoed off the thin walls as trainers showed off their pokemon. "Where are the battles occurring," Alisha asked.
"They seem to be upstairs," Seratus answered. "The stairs are over there."
"Right. Let's get to training grounds."
They scurried over the stairs and quickly hopped up until they arrived at the second floor. Trainers, many with Bellsprout were battling with one another. In some cases, some of the pokemon looked as if they didn't belong to anyone. As they scanned the area, two sages walked slowly t o them.
"May we interest you in a pokemon battle?" one of them asked.
"I would be delighted," Alisha replied.
"Yeah, I'm ready to take anyone on," Seratus added.
"Please follow us then." They followed the sages to a small area by the corner. "We will battle here. Come on out Bellsprout.
"You as well, Bellsprout," the other sage said.
"You come out too, Bellsrout," Alisha shouted.
"Totodile, come on out."
"Bellsprout, use vine whip," the sage across from Alisha said.
"Bellsprout, you use vine whip as well." Both Bellsprout extended their vines slapping each other. "Now use wrap."Alisha's Bellsprout took her vines and began squeezing the other Bellsprout. "Now pick it up and throw it down."
"Bellsprout, counter with vine whip." Before the Bellsprout could strike again, Alisha's Bellsprout had thrown the other Bellsprout onto the ground.
"Great job, Bellspout."
"You battled well and with love," the sage responded. "You may see Elder Li."
"Is it ok if I wait on Seratus?"
"Yes."
"Seratus, are you ready?" the other sage asked.
"We are."
"Bellsprout, use vine whip."
"Totodile, dodge those vines and use water gun." Totodile side-stepped the first vine, twirling to dodge the second readying his head and shot a jet of water toward Bellsprout.
"Dodge it," he said. The Bellsprout twisted its body allowing the water pass through.
"Oh no," Seratus cried.
"Use vine whip again."
"Totodile, you have to trust me, but wait for it."
The sage looked at Seratus carefully, "You do realize grass has the advantage over water."
"Advantage doesn't matter. It's about heart and trust. And with that, Totodile and I will win."
"TOTODILE!" he said proudly.
"Ok, Totodile. As soon as that vine gets close, use bite" Totodile's mouth opened and the vine went in, and Totodile chomped on it.
"Bell bell" Bellsprout shrieked as it tried to retract the vines.
"Hold on for now." Totodile was being pulled through the air toward the Bellsprout. "Now let go and use scratch." He opened his mouth and took his claw and scratch the Bellsprout.
Bellsprout fell over. "Good job, Bellsprout. And congratulations, Seratus. You and your companion have earned the right to see Elder Li. He may not battle immediately as there is already a trainer up there.
"Silver," they both replied.
"Thank you for a good battle," Alisha said.
"Yeah, thank you," Seratus added.
"Good luck and may you grow a deep bond with your pokemon."
Alisha and Seratus walked over to the last set of stairs and worked their way up. As they reached the top, Silver and Chikorita were battling a much older man. He wore the same purple robe the other sages wore with a thinner, short yellow cloth that draped over the right shoulder. Pokeballs lined the yellow sash.
"You battle way too harshly," Li said.
"I don't care. I beat you," he turned and saw Alisha and Seratus "Great, more losers. I'm outta here," he continued as he walked bumping through the two trainers.
"Are you the elder, Li?" Alisha asked.
"I am. I see you were granted access, but I'm afraid you're going to have to wait for that battle."
"We understand," Alisha said.
"How did his Chikorita look?" Seratus asked.
"Chikorita seems to have already have that cold look like her owner. I saw his eyes were cold when battling and Chikorita held the same look."
"I can't believe I failed her."
"Do not worry, my child. Midnight is nearly upon us."
"What happens at midnight?" Alisha asked.
"In addition to Bellsprout, we also have Gastly that haunt the tower at night.
"Gastly?" Seratus questioned. At that moment, screams echoed from beneath.
"It seems they are already here," Li said. "Let us go down." Li lead the two back down the stairs. It was vacant save for the few sages that remained and a lonely trainer facing floating purplish blob.
Seratus reached for his pokedex, "Gastly, the gas pokemon. With its gas-like body, it can sneak into any place it desires. However, it can be blown away by wind."
"Chikorita, use razor leaf." Chikorita geared her head back using the leaf one her head to send out three tiny leaf blades at Gastly. The leaves cut through Gastly barely doing any damage.
"Gast," it said as it floated near the Chikorita with a long pink tongue dangling. When it got close, its body expanded covering her head in the toxic gas. Within a few seconds, Gastly returned to the other side.
"Use vine whip." Chikorita could not move.
"She's paralyzed from Gastly's lick attack," Li shouted to Silver.
"Fine, then I guess I don't have much of a choice," Silver replied as he reached for a pokeball.
"Looks like he's calling back Chikorita," Alisha said smugly.
"Wrong again, bozo. POKEBALL, GO!" He yelled as he threw the ball at Gastly. The ball went through the pokemon landing behind it and sucking it in from behind. The light flashed red and it tumbled back and forth. Silver held a sly grin on his face as the pokemon appeared to be caught.
"Gastly, gast," it said escaping from the pokeball. Suddenly many more Gastly appeared behind it forming a wall. Others appeared through the floor.
"Gastly," one said as it appeared behind Alisha.
"AAHHH!" she squealed trying to get away from it.
Seratus turned to the Gastly with its tongue dangling saying, "Aww. He just wants to have a licking contest." Seratus extended his tongue trying to lick the Gastly.
"Child, don't do that," Li responded as he saw Seratus licking Gastly. "They're also poisonous."
The tongue touched the noxious gas quickly paralyzing Seratus. "That's weird. I can't feel my legs," said as he fell over.
Alisha ran over to Seratus, "Are you an idiot?" Why in Johto would you lick a Gastly?"
"It…seemed…li…li…like...a...good …idea," he stuttered. "They… looked… like… they… wanted… to… play."
"You dork."
"Sages. It seems we have no choice. We will have to battle them," Li rallied.
There was a loud thud from the roof. Footprints echoed as each stepped quickly moved through the floor, quickly coming down the stairs. A teenage boy appeared. He had on a dark blue robe covered with a powder blue jacket. He dark blue matched his dark robe, and it was long in the front covering the right side of his face. He had na intense look in his deep blue eyes.
"Who is that?" Alisha asked in a semi squealing voice.
"Pidgeot, use whirlwind," he said in a calm tone.
Pidgeot cawed spreading its wide wings and flapping them intensely knocking the Gastly against the wall. Pidgeot still tallnearly reaching the height of her owner. It had a dark brown body with a white chest. A black line cut underneath the eye trailing down outlining the cheek. Four long feathers comb over the back. The outer feathers were red while the inner feather had the whitish color. Silver seeing this as an advantage threw another pokeball at the Gastly, and soon one fell to the ball. It flashed red and tumbled, but to no avail. Silver had caught his Gastly.
"Well, that was fun. I'll be taking this," he said as he picked up his new caught pokemon. "I assume you're Falkner?"
"That's right. Now leave so I can get these Gastly out of here."
"I want a gym battle," Silver demanded.
"You'll get one tomorrow, now please get out of the way or I'll have Pidgeot blow you away as well."
"Fine. But you better be ready. I don't have time to wait for challenges."
"Pidgeot, blow the Gastly out the window.
Pidgeot took precise aim and used whirlwind to carefully move the Gastly outside.
"Thank you, Falkner," Li said.
"Yes, thank you thank you," Alisha squealed as she hugged Falkner.
"Uh…it was not a problem," he replied trying to push Alisha off.
"So that's a Pidgeot?" Alisha asked finally calming down. She reached for her pokedex.
"Pidgeot, the bird pokemon. It is the evolved form of Pidgeotto. Its well-developed chest muscles make it strong enough to whip up a gusty windstorm with just a few flaps."
"My friend and I are here to challenge you as well."
"Is that right? Where is your friend?"
"Seratus is right here," she looked over forgetting Seratus was still paralyzed from licking Gastly.
"Let me guess. He tried to lick Gastly?"
"How did you know?"
"There's always one in every group that tries that trick. They usually don't last too long."
"Yeah," she said embarrassed.
"Don't worry, my Pidgeot can take him to the pokemon center. Pidgeot, can you take these two there?"
"OT!" she squawked. She knelt down by Alisha allowing her to climb on before flying over to Seratus and picking his limp body up with her talons. She flew out the window, and closely following was Falkner who was running after them.
"Time to fly!" He exclaimed as he jumped flipping out a glider and gliding behind Pidgeot as they flew to the Pokecenter. "How do you like flying?"
"I think it's wonderful," she said. "You do this all the time."
"Yeah. It's a great way to understand bird pokemon better.
Soon they arrived at the pokecenter, Pidgeot had to let Seratus go before landing and he tumbled on the path in front of the door. Alisha quickly jumped down racing to Seratus, trying to get him in. Falkner followed, helping Alisha pick up Seratus and carrying him to Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy! We have another one!"
"We should really make a sign that says no licking Gastly. Thank you, Falkner."
"He should be ok. I'll be at the gym all day when you want to come to battle."
"Thanks."
Nurse Joy took a small yellow pill and stuck in Seratus mouth. "Since he can't swallow, it has to dissolve in his mouth. This should take about twenty minutes to take effect."
"What is that?"
"It's a paralysis pill. It works well on pokemon and seems to do well on humans as well. You might as well get to sleep and get a good rest. Falkner won't be up for quite some time. Not since he seems to be at Bellsprout Tower every night protecting it from the Gastly."
"OK, Nurse Joy. Thank you very much."
"Not a problem."
"So, Seratus, are you feeling better?"
"I can't feel my toes still."
Alisha took her foot, raised it and brought it down crashing onto Seratus's foot.
"OW!" He yelled rubbing his foot.
"I bet you're feeling that," she said giggling. "Tomorrow I get to see Falkner again. Isn't he dreamy?"
"I'm paralyzed by a ghost pokemon, and you get a crush. Most people call that a productive day," he said sarcastically.
"You're just jealous that he's cuter."
"I am…not. I like to be able to see out of both eyes."
"Just go to sleep. I'm trying to dream of him."
"Fine."