Pokémon White: The Heroine of Ideals
I don't own Pokémon in any form, but twists of plot, as well as made up characters, belong to my imagination. Enjoy!
Chapter 4: One in a Million
It had been one long day and Touko's feet were starting to hurt. She had already walked a third of the way into Route 3. Not to mention, she felt rather icky. In a rush to get a move on, she didn't shower at the Pokémon Center. Swablu, Leviathan, and Blaze were walking at her side, enjoying the fresh air.
"Argh!" Touko groaned, not liking the fact she was sweating bullets under the hot sun. "What I wouldn't give for a nice bath!"
It seemed luck was on her side, Touko heard the sound of running water nearby. "Oh! There must be a pond or lake nearby!" she turned to her friends. "What do you all say to a nice dip in the water?"
Leviathan and Swablu were all for it.
"Osha!"
"Blu!"
"Char…" Blaze was not thrilled at all by the idea.
But, Touko thought ahead. "Blaze…" she kneeled down to his eye level. "I know you dislike water. So what do you say tonight, we camp in the woods and you get to build us a fire?" she flashed him a mischievous grin. Fire-type Pokémon loved to start fires, to practice their power.
Blaze's baby blue eyes twinkled in delight. He lunged forward, wrapping his tiny arms around his mistress. "Char! Char!"
Good thing Mom packed me a bathing suit, she sure thinks ahead.
Sure enough, they found a pond. Touko never felt happier seeing water, Leviathan and Swablu joined her as Blaze lazed nearby. After thoroughly washing the grime off her and a brief splashing between her and her two Pokémon, they left the pond and started looking for a spot to camp.
…..
N always enjoyed the quietness of the woods, with the occasional chatter of the native Pokémon. But, lately, his mind was the opposite of quiet. His thoughts have been occupied by a certain, blue-eyed Trainer. He just couldn't figure her out. She was like an equation that kept changing variables on him. She battled with confidence, but careful enough not to overtax her Pokémon. And her Pokémon adored her to boot. He kept replaying their meeting and their battle in his mind. He grew up isolated from humans, except his father and his two sisters. He hated humans, because of the way they mistreated his friends.
Yet, she is not like any human I've encountered.
He kept walking, deep in his mind, when a clear, joyful sound interrupted his train of thought.
He stopped dead in his tracks.
Laughter.
From a very familiar, female voice.
He stood still, perking his ears, trying to pinpoint where she is.
Again, a happy giggle reached his ears. He started following the sound. He arrived at a small clearing, and there she was, the girl who's been invading his mind. Touko was giggling as she observed Leviathan and Blaze in a playful tumble. In her arms were a bunch of firewood.
"OK, Blaze, it's all set up for you!" Touko said to her Charmander as she finished putting sticks and small branches together.
Blaze didn't need to be told twice. "Char!" he happily shot a burst of flame into the wood.
"Perfect!" Touko petted him. "Thanks, pal!" She gathered the berries earlier that day for her Pokémon. "Who wants roasted berries?"
N continued watching Touko and her Pokémon enjoy their meal. Blaze looked mighty proud of himself for the fire, Swablu was pecking at a piece of bread, and Leviathan was chowing down on roasted berries. The young woman was fussing with her bag, muttering and frowning.
"Osha! Osh!" Leviathan went over to Touko, wanting another berry.
I want another Berry! Pleeeeaaaase, Mistress! N chuckled to himself as he heard the otter Pokémon's plea.
Leviathan sounded so cute.
Apparently, Touko thought so too; she stopped to look at him with a loving expression. "Let me guess, you want more berries?"
"Oshawott!" the little critter bounced up and down. N was astounded how Touko managed to understand what Leviathan wanted when she couldn't talk to him like he could.
She just keeps getting more and more fascinating.
The little brunette giggled again, a sound N didn't seem to mind at all. "Alrighty, you get one more, got it buster?" she went back into her bag to look for said berry. "I swear, sometimes I think you're a Snorlax in an Oshawott's body."
She found the berry, then a sleeping bag inside her bag and set it to the side before joining her friends by the fire. N continued to watch her interact with them, her sapphire eyes glowing with affection. She stroked Swablu's cotton wings lovingly with one hand, earning a coo from the bird Pokémon. Blaze was on her lap, playing with his Poké Ball while Leviathan was humming in content as his Trainer was rubbing his belly with her other hand.
The scene before him felt surreal.
This was nowhere near how he visualized Pokémon's relationships with people. He knows the misery the countless injured Pokémon he tended to showed, because of humans. He did not know what to make of the bonds this girl shared with each of her Pokémon. And for one dangerous moment, he felt his heart sway in doubt.
Will my dream really make Pokémon happy?
Touko's yawn was rather loud. "It's time to get some rest, guys. Come on." Blaze hopped off her lap, letting the girl get back on her feet. Touko removed her cap, vest, her boots, and her socks. She let her hair down, letting it cascade in waves of dark chocolate down her back. It looked soft and fluffy, it reminded N of a Whimsicott. She crawled into her sleeping bag and motioned her Pokémon to join her. Swablu roosted at her feet, Leviathan snuggled under one arm while Blaze claimed the other.
"Goodnight, my friends." He heard her say to them in a tender voice.
Goodnight, Mistress Touko. They all voiced.
N stayed in his hiding place for a while longer until the lack of movement from them signaled that they were asleep. Carefully, he stepped out of the shadows into the small camp. The fire was still burning, but weakly. He kneeled next to the sleeping brunette. Her eyes were closed, her long lashes laying shadows from the light of the fire. Her hair was scattered in obsidian waves. Her expression was serene and innocent, which was new to N. He found himself reaching out and handling some strands of her hair.
It is as soft as a Whimsicott's, he observed. Her Pokémon were resting peacefully with her, they trusted her enough to fall asleep in her presence.
"You really are unique." He whispered. "Like a shiny Pokémon in the wild, you're one in a million." He let go of her hair, causing her to moan. Panic set inside N, but she didn't wake up. She mumbled something about a Casteliacone before tilting her head to the side, still asleep.
N chuckled. She's dreaming about food, she and Leviathan are very much alike.
He knew he had stayed in this place too long, he still had to finish the first part of his quest and collect the Unova badges. He glanced at her sleeping form one more time. "I look forward to seeing you again soon…Touko."
And with that, he left them alone to dream.
…..
The next morning, Touko gathered her things, fed her Pokémon breakfast, let them rest in their Poké Balls, and continued down the road. On the way, she stopped for a few battles (much to her team's enjoyment) and restocked on some berries from some trees. As she neared an intersection, she took out her Town Map to double check directions.
"Hmm, here's the intersection I'm at. The road to leading south is the way to Nacrene City, so the other route leads to…"
"Touko, stop!"
Startled, she dropped her Map with a yelp. Turning around, she saw Cheren running towards her. "Dammit, Cheren!" she hissed at him, her heart still pounding. "What is it with you and sneaking up on me!?" She bent down to pick up her Map and put it back in her bag.
Cheren was too busy huffing and puffing to listen to her. "We both…have the Trio Badge…" He said in between pants. "So let's see…which of us is stronger!"
Touko wanted to throttle him first. "And you had to scare the hell out of me just for that!? You couldn't wait till Nacrene City?"
"I…I saw you as I exited the Pokémon daycare down the road…so I thought now would be a good time." He adjusted his glasses; he wasn't the least bit sorry.
"If it was another person who did that…" Touko muttered, utterly annoyed. Cheren observed her expression and gave her a cheeky smirk. "I'll double the monetary stakes."
Touko couldn't help smirking back, it was rare to see Cheren give even the slightest hint of a smile. And the "bribe" sounded pretty sweet too. "I accept your challenge, Cheren…mainly because I got this itch to kick that smirk off your face."
Cheren shook his head at her mockingly, "Tsk tsk, such violent talk, Touko White. Your mom ought to wash your mouth with extra strong soap." He fished his Poké Ball from his belt.
"What she doesn't know, won't kill her." Touko gave an unapologetic shrug back.
"Go, Snivy!" Cheren released his starter Pokémon.
"Sni!" the small Grass-type Pokémon was ready to get even with Touko.
Touko dug out Blaze's Poké Ball and launched it. "Go, Blaze! It's your time to shine!"
"Char!" the Charmander materialized in front of Snivy.
Cheren was taken back for a moment. "A Charmander! You don't see them in Unova at all! Where did you get one?"
"Focus on the battle, Cheren." Touko chided him in a playful tone.
"Fine. Snivy, Razor Leaf!"
Snivy released numerous sharp lead blades from her body at Blaze.
"Blaze!" Touko pointed at the incoming leaves. "Use your Incinerate to burn through those leaves!"
Blaze unleashed his streak of flames, effectively burning a hole through Snivy's attack and reaching his opponent. Snivy yelped as she felt the burning sensation throughout her body. The berry that Cheren gave her burst into quick flames before being reduced to ashes. Cheren arched a brow at Touko. "You knew that attack would burn off Snivy's berry, wouldn't you?"
Touko smiled innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about, my friend."
"Use Wrap, Snivy!"
Using her body, Snivy wrapped herself tightly around Blaze. "Char!" he cried out he was being squeezed by the attack. Touko noticed Snivy breathing heavily, she was weak from Blaze's previous attack.
Touko had to think fast, or the Wrap attack could seriously hurt Blaze.
"Blaze, this will be a gamble…" she said to him, making him stare at her. "But…do you trust me?"
"Char…" he said weakly.
Touko smiled affectionately. "Then, use your tail to make her back off! That, with an Ember, should finish her off!"
Blaze liked the idea, anything to get the other Pokémon off him. Using his tail, he touched her body. The powerful fire made Snivy squeal in pain and scramble off Blaze. Using the opening, Blaze fired a fireball at her, hitting its mark. The small green lizard Pokémon whined weakly before fainting.
Cheren sighed sadly as he withdrew Snivy. "I'm sorry, girl." He whispered to her Poké Ball. "I'll heal you as soon as this is over." He released his other Pokémon.
"Go, Purrloin!" The purple kitten Pokémon was out and ready to avenge her fallen comrade.
Touko wanted to withdraw Blaze as well. "OK, Blaze, come back!"
But, her Charmander stood his ground, he wanted to keep going. Touko was concerned, she knew he was already weakened from the Wrap attack and Purrloin was faster than he was, just like Snivy. "Blaze, that's a bad idea! Come back, buddy. You need to sit this one out."
"Charmander!" the Pokémon shook his head.
Touko bit her lip; she didn't want to force her will on him, but at the same time, she didn't want him to get badly hurt. He won't learn his limits if you won't allow him. A voice in her head whispered. Touko sighed, she knew that to be true. Blaze is hot-headed, so he had to learn his lesson the hard way. Besides, she wished to honor his request.
"All right…you can fight." Blaze's eyes lit up.
Cheren stared hard at Touko. She knows her Charmander's weak, why won't she switch him out?
"Furry Swipes!" He commanded. Purrloin hissed and swept at Blaze with her razor-sharp claws. Poor Blaze was too weak to dodge it.
"Char!" he received several scratches from the feline Pokémon. He staggered backwards, Touko had to bite her bottom lip to keep from crying out.
"Blaze…do you still wish to keep going?" she was hoping her stubborn Pokémon had changed his mind. With great effort, Blaze stood tall again. He gave her a weak nod.
Touko took a deep breath, trying to still the uncomfortable churning in her belly. "Ember."
Blaze fired his fireball at Purrloin, successfully hitting her.
"Tackle!" Cheren instructed.
Purrloin came at Blaze and gave him one mighty tackle with her body. Blaze whined weakly as he lay flat on his belly, still trying to get up. Touko couldn't handle it anymore. Tears pooling in her eyes, she dashed to her beloved friend. "Char…" Blaze moaned pitifully.
Touko stroked his head affectionately. "Blaze…this was why I wanted you to switch out…I don't want to see you suffer too much. You fought with lots of courage, but you must learn the limits of your body and power." She knelt down and scooped down her fire-breathing Pokémon into her arms. Cradling him in one arm, she took out another Poké Ball with another.
"Leviathan, finish this fight!"
…..
Cheren finished paying Touko for her victory, but couldn't shake off his concern at seeing his childhood friend looking so distraught; Touko is a strong girl, seeing her in tears was a shocker to him. Her weakened Charmander wheezed in her arms. "Will he be OK?" he asked.
Touko nodded, giving Blaze a small, gentle squeeze. "He will be fine, as soon as I heal him…I didn't want him to continue to fight after Snivy, but he refused to withdraw." Her soft words were laced with sadness.
Cheren patted her head. "Touko…don't beat yourself up. You didn't force him to battle further, he won't hate you. I bet he feels happy that you let him continue." He assured her.
"You're right." Touko admitted, her spirits lifting up a bit. "I must focus on getting him better. Thanks, Cheren." She patted his shoulder with her free hand. "You're an amazing friend."
…..
"OUT OF THE WAY!" A harsh, male voice startled the young Trainers. Two Team Plasma grunts ran past them, almost bumping into Touko.
Cheren was baffled. "What was that all about?"
"Touko! Cheren!" A girl's familiar voice came right behind them. They both turned around and watched Bianca running towards them with a little girl in auburn pigtails in tow.
"Bianca?" Why are you running?" Cheren asked.
Bianca answered with a question of her own. "Where were those two people headed?"
Touko pointed behind her. "That way but, seriously, why were you running like a Tauros?"
Bianca gestured to the little girl next to her, who was starting to tear up. "You have to hear this to believe it, those people stole this child's Pokémon!"
Touko and Cheren were taken back. The young brunette gritted her teeth in ire at the atrocious act. "You should've spoke up sooner, we must catch up to them!"
The little girl walked towards Touko. "Miss…" she spoke quietly. "Your Pokémon's hurt…" she took out a Super Potion and gently sprayed it on Blaze. The little Charmander stirred and opened his baby blue eyes. "Char!"
Touko looked at the child with wide eyes. "Um, thank you."
Bianca walked up to Cheren and took his Poké Balls. "By the looks of things, you both just finished battling. I'll heal up your Pokémon." She quickly worked her magic before returning them. Cheren gave her a nod of thanks.
"Cheren…" Touko turned to Cheren. "We're going to go get that Pokémon back!"
The dark-haired teen couldn't agree more. "Bianca," he spoke to the little blonde. "You stay with the girl."
"You got it!"
Touko put Blaze back in his Poké Ball and both Trainers took off in the direction of Wellspring Cave.
-Wellspring Cave-
"Where the hell are they?" Touko groused when they entered the cave. Cheren scanned the area and spotted a few shadows up ahead. "I think I see someone up ahead!" He ran towards it.
"Dammit, Cheren, wait up!" Touko ran after him.
Four Team Plasma members were chatting lively, a bag was hanging over the shoulder of one of the grunts.
"Hey! Give back the Pokémon you stole from that child!" Cheren demanded.
A grunt snorted rudely at him. "That child will never be able to use that Pokémon to its full potential. Doesn't that make the Pokémon sad?"
"You don't know that for a fact, you pompous swine!" Touko snarled at him. I swear this group made up of the village idiots! They don't listen to good old-fashioned reason!
Another grunt stepped in front of the teenagers. "It's the same for all your Pokémon, so hand them over now, punks!" He eyed Cheren's Poké Balls strapped to his belt. "Or better yet…we'll take them!"
Touko rapidly took one of her Poké Balls and stood ready to battle. "If you can even pry them out of our hands, scumbags!"
"Looks like this will be Double Battle." Cheren eyed the two grunts, their Poké Balls in hand. "I hope you still remember how to do one?" He smirked at Touko.
Her cerulean eyes danced with self-confidence. "Of course, I kicked your ass in one back in school! Now, I'm ready to kick theirs. Ready?"
"Always."
They both released their Pokémon.
"Go, Snivy!"
"Leviathan, go!"
…..
Touko certainly enjoyed having Cheren as a battle buddy. Both of their starter Pokémon demolished the grunts' Patrats. Then, their two other accomplices stepped up to the plate with their Purrloins. Cheren switched to his own Purrloin while Touko called on her newly-healed Blaze. With a powerful Incinerate from Blaze and a Furry Swipes from Purrloin, they defeated the remaining grunts.
"Now come on," Touko said as she recalled Blaze. "What could ever be the reason to justify you stealing Pokémon from people?"
"In order to liberate Pokémon from foolish people, we will take their Pokémon!" a grunt spat.
Touko rolled her eyes at him. "Same old song and dance I heard from another pair of morons back at the Dreamyard, and they were assaulting a defenseless Munna too." She felt her fury rise again at the memory. These people had no sense of decency!
"Whatever…this is a waste of time." Cheren adjusted his glasses before taking a step forward towards the grunts, his Snivy growling at Team Plasma. "Just give us back the Pokémon."
The grunt took out a Poké Ball and tossed it at Cheren, who caught it single-handed easily. "Here it is. But remember how you're all making your Pokémon suffer. Someday, open your eyes to your own complicity." And with that, they picked themselves off and ran like the wind.
Cheren only scoffed. "They don't know squat: people bring out their Pokémon's strength, and Pokémon believe in their Trainers and respond to that trust."
"Forget about them, Cheren." Touko patted his back. "You kicked some serious butt back there…" she flashed him a sassy grin. "I might have to step up my game."
Cheren laughed out loud. "Yeah, says the girl who keeps kicking my butt. Come on, let's return the Pokémon and continue to Nacrene City."
-Nacrene City-
Countless warehouses greeted the three Trainers. "Wow," Touko was impressed. "Kind of reminds me of a factory town."
"I heard the people just remodeled the inside of the old warehouses to make them habitable. And the Pokémon Gym here is a museum!" Bianca chimed in.
The Pokémon Center was the first stop. While her Pokémon were being attended, Touko fiddled with her Pokédex to teach her party some new moves.
While finishing their trek of Route 3, Swablu, Leviathan, and Blaze leveled up some more and her Fire-type and Water-type Pokémon actually evolved into Dewott and Charmeleon. Touko smiled at the memory; she was so proud of her two friends for achieving such a milestone. And both her Pokémon looked mighty proud of themselves too.
"Since I have this TM, I can teach Blaze the move Flame Charge. Oh! Since Leviathan evolved into Dewott, he can learn Razor Shell and Water Pulse! Hmm…looks like a fantastic move!" She kept working. "And Swablu…can learn Aerial Ace, that will sure help her be even faster!"
"You're sure working hard, Touko." Bianca came towards her, a cup of coffee in hand. Touko closed her Pokédex and accepted the cup with a grateful smile. "Hmm, coffee! You read my mind, Bianca."
"So, hitting the Gym next?" Bianca asked as she sat down next to her.
"Yeah, I have to keep up with my Badges so my Pokémon can continue to grow." Touko took a sip of coffee.
"Well, I wish you the best of luck, Touko! I'm sure you'll win!" Bianca cheered her friend on.
Her friend's confidence in her made Touko even more grateful for having such a caring friend.
"Thanks, Bianca."
…..
Feeling lighthearted after her talk with Bianca, Touko hummed to herself as she made her way to the Pokémon Gym. The towering building was hard to miss. "Ah, there it is!" she said to herself as she broke into a dash. Once arrived at her destination, she composed herself and reached for the door handle. Instead of opening the door, the door opened for her, revealing a pair of silver eyes staring at her in quiet surprise. The same damn eyes that have ever been in the back of her mind since Accumula Town. Touko felt the wind getting knocked out of her.
N…
"Um, hi?" Touko saluted sheepishly as she took a few step backwards, trying to get out of the way. N said nothing at first as he took a few steps towards her.
The awkwardness was starting to get to Touko. Before she could open her mouth to speak, he opened his first.
"I…want to see things no one can see."
Leave it to N to speak in riddles. Touko's face scrunched up in bewilderment.
"What?"
"The truths of Pokémon inside Poké Balls and the ideals of how Trainers should be. And…a future where Pokémon have become perfect." He continued.
Again with this crap, Touko was starting to forget the awkwardness from moments ago and annoyance setting in instead. She believed she had laid out her view about Trainers, Pokémon, and Poké Balls as clear as crystal.
"N, I thought we already discussed…" She started to dispute.
"Do you feel the same?" His question cut her off.
Touko stopped short, unsure whether to focus on his question or the fact that he interrupted her.
She chose the former.
"Yes…" she replied slowly, "But…"
"That so?" Again, the mint-haired teen interrupted her. "I think my friends and I should test you to see if you can see this future, too." He challenged her.
Touko rubbed her temple. "By Arceus…men have no manners." She muttered. The look on those damnably captivating eyes told her he wasn't going to budge until he "tested" her.
Holding back a curse, she opened her bag, ready for battle.
N held back a smile as he observed her frown. She obviously wasn't happy that he interrupted her twice. Such a different face than when she's relaxed. He was a bit surprised he had bumped into her as he had finished with the Gym, as he had a head start on her from Route 3.
But, what mattered to him right now is to test her again, to see if she was still as exceptional as he perceived her to cobalt eyes were locked onto his, daring him to make the first move.
And he gladly obliged.
"Go Pidove!" A gray, dove Pokémon stood in front of him.
Azure eyes twinkled daringly. "Let's make this an air fight." She dug into her pink bag and obtained her Poké Ball. "Swablu, up and front!" Her tiny bird Pokémon came out and her eyes instantly landed on N.
You again…her tone was menacing as she squawked at him.
Perhaps she shared her Trainer's annoyance.
"Let's get done with!" Touko gestured toward his Pidove. "Swablu, Aerial Ace!"
Because of Touko's growing confidence, also the fact that her Pokémon had a couple of levels lead on N's Pokémon, the battle was swift. N withdrew his Timburr, his mind was clouded. She beat me again. It shows that my friends and I still need to grow, he thought as Touko withdrew Blaze. As disappointed as I am that she bested me once again, I can't help but admit...she's still gentle with her Pokémon, and they still respect her.
"Will they be OK?" Touko's fretful voice snapped N's attention back to her.
N nodded, knowing her concern for his Pokémon was genuine.
"Right now, my friends aren't strong enough to save all Pokémon. Maybe I can't solve the equation that will change the world. So, I need power... power enough to make anyone agree with me." He started to walk away from her and stopped after a few steps.
"N…" He heard her soft voice call after him. "That's not the way to…"
He wouldn't be swayed. "Now I know what power I need. Reshiram! The legendary Pokémon that, along with the hero, created 's my turn to become that hero-and you and I will be friends!" And with that, he took his leave.
…..
Touko stared at his retreating back bemusedly.
Reshiram?
Legendary Pokémon?
Hero?
And…that last statement…was that his way of asking me to be his friend?
Touko sulked. That's one odd way to start a friendship, all he had to was ask nicely…
Not wanting to give herself a migraine for thinking further on this puzzling matter, she turned towards the Pokémon Center once more. Her Pokémon needed another quick heal before taking on the Gym.
…..
The Nacrene City Museum was huge! A huge skeleton, which seemed to be some kind of Dragon-type Pokémon, stood in the middle of the room. Other kinds of priceless artifacts sat within glass display cases all around the skeleton. Touko was captivated by the skeleton display overall.
"Wow…" she whispered. "Cool…"
"Wow is right, it's a fine specimen." A voice spoke from behind her.
Touko jumped with a quiet yelp, and turned around to face an older man wearing a white lab coat. His dark hair peppered with gray tones and his brown eyes were rimmed by square glasses. He kind of reminded her of Cheren.
"Oh, my apologies, Miss! I didn't mean to startle you!" the man bowed sheepishly. "I'm Hawes, assistant director of the museum."
Touko held a hand over her speeding heart, trying to get it to calm down. "I'm…Touko White. I'm here to take on the Gym challenge."
Understanding dawned on the man's eyes. "I see! Well, just go beyond that door and you'll reach the Gym and its Leader, Lenora." He winked at her. "By the way, she's my wife."
Touko quickly thanked the man and went through the door. The interior of the Gym looked like a library, shelves were several feet tall and jam-packed with books. No Gym Leader in sight, though. But, what caught Touko's eye, was one book that was sticking out near her. She reached out to fix it, when she heard a click. A spot in the middle of the room moved, revealing a hidden staircase going down. Intrigued, Touko went downstairs.
The lower floor was the real Gym. The Poké Ball insignia lay in the middle of the room, a few more bookshelves were located in the back of the room. Additionally, sitting in a large oak desk, a dark-skinned woman with cottony, teal-colored hair and matching eyes smiled at her in welcome.
"Welcome, challenger, I am Lenora. I'm the Leader of this Gym as well as the director of this museum!" She stood up and strolled towards Touko.
"I'm Touko." The young Trainer introduced herself.
Lenora stopped right in front of her, giving her a quick stare down. "You seem like a devoted Trainer, I like that. Now…" she took out a Poké Ball from her pocket. "Let me research how you battle with the Pokémon you've so lovingly raised!"
Touko grabbed her Charmeleon's Poké Ball. "Yes, ma'am!"
…..
The battle was down to Lenora's last Pokémon, Watchog, and Touko's Leviathan. "Now, young Trainer," Lenora said. "Show me what you're made of! Watchog, start with Crunch!"
The meerkat-looking Pokémon lunged at Leviathan with jaws opened wide.
"Avoid that attack!" Touko countered.
Leviathan jumped sideways right on time, Watchog missed his tail by mere centimeters.
"Let's use one of your newer moves. Leviathan, use Water Pulse!" Hopefully, it'll confuse Watchog.
"Dew!" Leviathan formed a small water orb in his hand, then, the orb rapidly grew. Leviathan launched the pulsing blast of water at his opponent. The blast caught Watchog head on, blasting him an inch back towards its Trainer. The Pokémon stood up wobbly, wearing a disoriented look.
"No matter how grim the situation, I'll use my research skills to find a winning strategy!" Lenora stated. "Watchog, use Hypnosis!"
Watchog's gold and crimson eyes glowed and the arena suddenly seemed hazy. Leviathan stared into the glowing eyes and felt drowsy. The otter Pokémon fell asleep on his belly.
"Leviathan!" Touko shouted in alarm. "Wake up, buddy! Or you'll stay a sitting Psyduck!"
Lenora took advantage. "Now that it's out, Watchog use Crunch!"
Watchog ran on all fours to Leviathan and bit him on the tail, then throwing him across the arena. Touko's heart started to pound. "Leviathan!" He was still asleep, but the injury wasn't a one hit-KO.
"Hang on, pal!" Touko found an Awakening in her bag and sprayed it on her snoozing Pokémon.
Leviathan yawned widely but opened his eyes. "Dewott!?" He startled awake.
Touko sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're still kicking, my friend."
"Let's finish this! Watchog, use Crunch again!" Lenora commanded. Watchog growled, ready to attack, but stopped.
"Huh? What's wrong?" Lenora asked her Pokémon.
"Og?" Watchog looked around for Leviathan. He unleashed his attack randomly and ended up biting himself on the tail.
Touko smiled, things were looking up. "Looks like your Water Pulse did the trick, Leviathan, he's confused!"
"Dew!" Leviathan was ready for payback.
"Get back at it with Razor Shell!" Touko pointed at the confused Pokémon. Leviathan grabbed the two scalchops sitting on his legs as they glowed a golden color. He sprinted toward Watchog, ready to deliver the strike.
"Dodge it!" Lenora talked to her Pokémon. However, the meerkat Pokémon was still very confused. Leviathan jumped up and slashed the scalchops down at Watchog in a crisscross motion, leaving a blue trail of energy behind them. The force of the attack emitted a powerful blast, sending Watchog spiraling back to Lenora knocked out cold.
"Yes!" Touko jumped for joy. "A critical hit!" She ran to her friend and crouched down, wrapping her arms around him. "Way to go, Leviathan!"
Leviathan returned the gesture with a goofy grin. "Dew!" he snuggled in her embrace.
Touko heard clapping behind them. Lenora came towards them, her aqua eyes glimmering with pride. "Your fighting style is so enchanting. It is charming. You are a Pokémon Trainer worthy of receiving the Basic Badge." She offered Touko her badge: it appeared to have the same rectangular shape of a book's spine and was colored purple with gold.
Touko graciously took it and bowed. "Thank you, ma'am!"
Lenora shook her head. "No, child, thank you! You've got quite a fiery spirit in you, I can see why your Pokémon trust your every command. Which, is why I want to give you this." She gave Touko a TM, Retaliate.
Touko was about to thank her again when Lenora's husband was storming down the stairs. "Deeeeaaar!"
Hawes raced to Lenora. "Come…quick! Team Plasma…threatening to…steal some bones!" He said while trying to catch his breath.
Lenora's face hardened, her eyes turned stone cold. "What? What's going on?" She turned to Touko. "Touko, you come too!" Her tone made it impossible to argue.
Touko just gave a slight nod and followed the couple back upstairs to find about more about the commotion.
Author's Note:
I'm sure on a roll! I've been watching Pokémon battles through YouTube (the anime version anyway) to get a better feel of the Pokémon battles, but trying to be careful to not just littering the story with them. Thanks to those who have taken a moment to review the story, even though it's a few, it's certainly a great incentive! ;) Next chapter, Team Plasma just won't give the poor girl a break! Stay tuned!
-Mistress Ness