A/N Just a small warning, this chapter has characters named just like the ones in the anime...but since I never saw the anime I don't exactly know their personalities and I might describe them incorrectly, but also I might try and guess. Don't get me wrong, I'd gladly watch the anime, but I simply never saw it, I only played the games. Now, roll the film.
Freeman took some time to search for the info on Riolu evolutionary line and it wasn't for nothing. After talking with Nurse Joy in the Pokemon Center, Freeman learned out about a scientist who possibly knows of Arche's species and even their evolution method. She told him that a man named Jason is one of few scientists in Hoenn who knows of foreign Pokemon. The boy also found that the man lives in Rustboro City. It was luckily closest to Petalburg City, so he planned moving there shortly.
The next morning. 6:30.
Suzan woke up from her sleep, slowly regaining her consciousness. She tried to move or get up, but couldn't. She felt she was being covered by a weight from something...or maybe someone, because she felt it was warm, soft and furred. Also something wet traveled across her face and made a slight puddle below. She did the most random thing and...licked the liquid to check what it is...it tasted somewhat salty and sticky. Not identifying it, she latched her maw at the bed-frame and pulled herself out from below it, slowly and gently, not to disturb anyone. And she saw...
Arche idly snoozed having 'innocent' dreams, according to the occasional cuss words. Her mouth was a bit agape and drooling, unluckily for someone under the stream. Now it clicked to Suzan; she tasted...
[Yuck.]
She scratched her tongue in disgust, doing her best to get rid of whatever Arche left there. Suzan ran to the bathroom, mentally cursing herself for even tasting it. That furry bitchpup.
Ironically, Freeman was brushing his teeth when he saw his Mawile run to him, quickly pointing at her tongue and towards the bedroom, while trying to say something with her mouth open. Freeman didn't get it, but he pointed at the wash and made a questioning look. Suzan nodded.
He lifted her and placed near the wash, and opened the water switch. She hastily did her thing, cleaning her tongue and insides of her dental cavity. Freeman didn't seem surprised or amused.
Instead, laughed a little, finding her doings funny. She groaned in annoyance.
[Your Riolu drooled all over me!] Suzan blurted, after spitting out water and moved to the edge. Freeman raised an eyebrow. [...what, you think I laid next to that foul-mouthed puppy?] she asked incredulously. Freeman shrugged in a 'who-knows?' manner. [...Yeah, who knows. What if just needed some feminine warmth in the middle of the night? Maybe just me.] she added with a hint of sarcasm. Freeman chuckled, then helped her down.
Craving revenge for earlier, Suzan climbed the bed and quietly approached the Riolu. She 'awww'd at the sleeping puppy, then picked up a pillow, aimed, and with a full swing, slammed the sleeping pokemon with it.
[What in the fucking world!?]
It seemed pretty enough to make Arche fully awake in a matter of milliseconds.
[First of all, good morning. And second, you drooled your bitch-fluids all over my face.] Suzan accused, her anger satisfied. Arche rolled her eyes. It was nothing special, just some petty Pokemon.
[...so what? You could just rub it off instead of complaining.]
[I did, but some got in my mouth! You think I wanted to taste that?!]
Arche stared for a moment, then grinned. [Some weird culinary tastes you have! Hahaha!] Arche shot back, laughing like crazy and rolling on the bed.
[You...little...whatever. Not gonna scold you for this any more, I think I'll return more of that later, girl...] Suzan reassured. [What surprised me most is...you slept next to me. ON me, to be exact. Why is that? You took a liking on me, per chance?] she teased.
[I don't remember anything, you stupid midget...] Arche scalded. [I slept near Masa.]
[Then, you're lunatic?] Suzan diagnosed. [And why you slept next to him in the first place?...Ah, you like HIM, I see...]
[Tch, yeah, talk about sleeping alone means one hates everyone, or something.] she nodded at Masamune, who slept nearby.
[He doesn't seem...that isolated.]
[Maybe, but he has a Lonely-nature.]
[He still doesn't seem THAT isolated, bitch.] Suzan defended, a bit mad at her judgements. [He's a normal pokemon, but...yeah, he might be a bit emotionally poor...and quiet...and aloof...that's not a laughing matter, you-]
*SLAM* Suzan was suddenly cut off by Arche whacking her with the very same pillow. The Mawile landed exactly at Masamune. Arche laughed victoriously, pointing at the Mawile.
[Hmm...morning, girls.] he greeted, sounding slightly displeased at the abrupt wake-up.
[Oh, Masamune...I'm sorry...] Suzan apologized. [How you slept?]
[I wasn't awake. That was enough, I guess.] he replied blankly.
[Hey, g'morning Masa!] Arche cheered as well. [If you're wondering, Furry-man is in the bathroom, washing himself or something, and-] Arche was cut off by Suzan smacking her with an another pillow. The Riolu looked rather pissed at that, and grabbed her pillow, growling. Masamune quickly, without notice, slid away from the field where Second Pillow Massacre ensued, not wanting to be a meat (or grass) shield in the very morning.
Masamune immediately went into the bathroom, assuming the boy was there. And there he was, still polishing his precious teeth.
[Morning, Freeman.] Masamune greeted him. Freeman just waved his hand. Seeing that the boy couldn't talk right now, Masamune decided it's best to ask questions which had only yes/no answers, so he could nod or shake in response.
[So, are we moving to another town?] Nod.
[Any chances we'll arrive there today?] Unsure nod.
[Are we going to catch more pokemon?] Shrug.
[Fine. I'll be in the bedroom.] Masamune said and went away. There, on the bed, Arche and Suzan still quarreled. Arche was above Suzan, barraging her with slaps, the Mawile managing to land a counter attack...rarer than the Riolu.
[Attention girls.] Masamune called. Suzan looked. Only to receive a slap from Arche. Masamune glared, as the two stopped and let go of each other. He then continued. [Today, we're moving out and into another town. No promises we'll reach there today, but let's not agree that we WON'T reach it today.] he explained.
[For sure we will. We just need to walk, and walk, and walk...] Arche chanted.
[I see we'll get anywhere...with that brutal optimism of yours.] Suzan chided a bit.
[Are you jealous now? Optimism is my forte.]
[No really? That forte ticks me off for some reason!] Suzan shoved Arche, thus beginning another quarrel. Masamune sighed. He had to go with force.
Using his vines, he pulled them apart and kept them distanced. [Listen. You two can save your energy for much more productive things, you know?]
[...Okay-okay, if you say so.] Arche submitted suddenly. [I would gladly save energy...a lot of it...so I can beat the shit out of that Shmawile over there!]
[Fufufu, good tongue you have. I'll make sure to rub it into dirt later.]
[Hmph, good luck with that.]
Masamune retracted his vines, knowing, or at least hoping, they won't attack each other again.
[As I said, we move out today. And we will, most probably, fight wild pokemon or trainers' ones.] he reminded. [I don't want to hear any complaints regarding tiredness, understood?]
[I don't get tired. Ever.] Arche bragged. Suzan just nodded. Both girls didn't really want to submit, but the Servine was superior, in power and even height.
[Then it's settled. I'll ask Freeman now.]
Freeman entered the bedroom, took the PokeDex from his rucksack and plopped on the bed. He started exploring it, not preparing for journey, as Masamune thought he would.
[Freeman?] he said drawing the boys attention. [Aren't we moving out? I thought we would be leaving now.]
"It's a bit early, Masa. Maybe you and girls can do something outside? Have a breakfast, maybe. I need to check the map and see possible routes to Rustboro City. And...chew something on my own."
[Sure. You know, I could bring you something to eat, good?]
"Oh, that would be great, thanks in advance!" Freeman replied.
[You're super welcome.] Masamune said, and went to the girls. [Wanna go outside?]
10 minutes later.
Arche and Suzan were more that happy to have a breath of fresh air. And of course, bicker. As for Masamune, he had a close eye on the two. He forbid them to fight...physically, but he didn't seem to mind them insulting each other. As long at they don't punch or kick or shove one another, that is.
When they arrived to an entrance of a forest Freeman came from, Masamune chose to practice while the two other Pokemon quietly observed, to his surprise.
[You never actually fought him, did you?] Suzan asked. Arche remembered being caught, so easily.
[Fought isn't a right word...it was a fucking one-hit knockout.] she growled.
[Whoa, that must be shameful. You're not planning a rematch?]
[I am, but gimme some time.] Arche turned her gaze to Masamune. [Just training, training and more training, AND hopefully evolution...I'll put this snake in his place.] Arche added, her words bearing no envy or malice, bot more like...competitive spirit.
[He can evolve too, you know.] Suzan reminded, pulling Arche out of her 'daydreaming'.
[This doesn't stop me, do you know that?]
[Yeah, yeah, not surprised.]
Masamune noticed they even stopped their verbal wars, which was good for his poor nerves.
[Why don't you see what he can do? Close up, by battling him?] Suzan asked Arche. [I mean, I heard It will be easier to defeat your foe if you know them, their moves and abilities.]
[I've seen some of his moves before.]
[Oh, some? Which ones?] Suzan questioned, sounding skeptic.
[Ummm...Aerial Ace, Vine Whip...] Arche paused after those two. [That's it. No more, I think.]
[That's it? You do have a lo-o-ong way to go before reaching his skill.] Suzan concluded. [He must surely know all your moves by now!] Arche growled, then turned to Suzan.
[Is it just me, or you just want to learn how WE both fight? Having fun from using me as cannon fodder? Analyzing us out, beating us down then taking the control? Huh? HUH?] Arche looked intensely in Suzan's eyes looming over her. The latter only blinked, not taken by her stance.
[I'm not, you paranoid cub. I was just giving advice how to, at least, scratch him and that's how you return? You are welcome, I guess.] Suzan said back. Arche hmph'd arrogantly then went towards the snake.
[Hey, Masa. How about we spar?] Arche challenged, standing in a distance away from him. Masamune stopped assaulting the boulder. He looked at Arche, somewhat condescending.
[Sure, you can spar.] He said. [Just make sure you two don't get too tired. We might have more battles later.]
Arche blinked, dumbfounded. Suzan had fun watching it. Only seconds later, she understood that he meant. He seemed to be simply dismissing the chance of herself sparring with him.
[Don't you underestimate ME! The last time I thought you were a puss, but now I'm more prepared! And don't give me this 'I forbid you' bullshit.]
[Prepared, huh.] Masamune replied, turning to her. [We never actually fought...I didn't get to see your abilities.]
[Ha, so you do wanna taste my fists? Now is a good chance!] Arche warned and rushed at Masamune.
The battle raged for minutes. Arche launched her blows with no relent or pity. Punches, kicks and bites, followed by shallow curses and threats. Her body seemed like not knowing exhaustion. The blue pokemon held nothing back. Arche attacked, attacked, attacked...
None of the blows landed, though. Arche even almost punched Suzan, but not Masamune. He dodged every one of the blows with his superior speed and despite the size difference, Arche was slower than him.
The one-way battle ended when Arche couldn't fight anymore, so she collapsed from exhaustion. Masamune was also breathing heavier, slightly tired but ready for more action. He approached the Riolu on the ground and whispered to her.
[So...are we going to fight?] He quietly provoked. Arche was now very pissed.
[You stupid, stupid snake...*pant* *pant*...I'm not done yet...*pant*] Pissed, but too tired. Masamune, being a good-mannered pokemon he is, helped Arche stand up, dusting her off. [What are...*pant*...you doing...*pant*...you melonhead?]
[Helping you get up. Just thought it would be rude to leave a girl laying like that, especially when it's my fault.] he said, realizing it wasn't actually his fault, at all.
[Hmph, don't think I...*pant*...owe you for this...*pant* or something...]
[Of course.] Masamune agreed.
"Hey guys." They heard Freeman's voice not too far. He approached them and he was all packed up.
[You left that place? We can move on now?] Suzan asked, while other to went to him.
"Yeah. Oh Arche, you okay?" Freeman went to her and checked for injuries. She had none, for an obvious reason. "What happened?"
[Me and her, we had a little...practice match. Nothing serious, don't worry, she just strained herself too much.] Masamune reassured. [You okay, Arche? Maybe you want back into the pokeball?]
[*pant*...yeah, I guess some rest will...*pant*...put me back in shape...] Arche told Freeman, who returned her afterwards.
[Hmph, never get tired, she says.] Suzan said, huffing.
"Any of you want to return as well?" Freeman offered.
[Nah, someone has to stay outside to protect your pitiful human ass.] Suzan laughed.
[Yes, what she said, but nicer.] Masamune agreed.
"Hehe, okay..." Freeman said, then looked at Arche's pokeball. "I hope Arche didn't get hurt a lot."
[And why are you even worrying that much about her?] Suzan queried. [She's a Fighting-type. She's tougher than you think.]
Freeman stared at her for a moment. "Because I wanna be a decent trainer to y'all. I might not be perfect or experienced, but I try to spare attention for my pokemon and keep them safe."
[Why make your pokemon battle then?]
"...Because they like it?" he said, glancing at Masamune.
[I do.]
"Yes, along with that, I need money for a living. You're free to leave the team, though, if you don't like my methods. I might have not said it, but this is a good chance for you...no, scratch that, for US to become stronger." Freeman explained. "With me, if you get beaten, you'll be healed, and you can restart."
[Or not restart at all. Just leave the team if you prefer a peaceful life.] Masamune added, gaining a surprised stare from Freeman. [I mean, Suzan doesn't HAVE to fight to stay. She can just watch battles too.]
"Yeah, but there in the wild...it's not that safe. And finally...not to sound all naive but...maybe we will get to know each other closer."
[...if you say so.] Suzan replied, mistrust was apparent in her voice, but Freeman ignored that. [Just to let you know, mister Freeman, I'm not gonna battle with any of trainers or wild 'mons. I will, like Masamune said, watch, but if you force me into a battle, I'm biting you, human.] she warned, clamping her maw, with an audible metal crunch.
"Alright, if you say so. I won't force you." Freeman reassured. Yet, he couldn't help but imagine what happens if Masamune faints in battle. There will be only Suzan left...maybe Arche will be recovered enough and will be able to help?
The next few battles weren't hard, the trainers mostly having Water-types with them. Also, they seemed to find Freeman's battle image funny, commenting the long nose and white hair. A Battle Girl even mistaken him for an old man, asking if she could help holding the bag.
[Hey, mister Freeman.] Suzan asked, mysteriously giggling.
"What is it, grasshopper?"
[Have you ever kissed a girl?] she asked.
"No, never a chance of romancing a young female had blessed me." Freeman replied, faking tragic poetry.
[No surprise with that nose!] Suzan joked.
[Yes, Freeman. Don't be surprised if birds are going to perch on that pole.] Masamune added, nodding at his mask.
"Hmph, youngsters." Freeman scoffed, not fazed. As the Petalburg Woods was getting closer, Suzan got more and more curious about her Servine companion, who kept quiet all the time. The bond between him and Freeman was seemingly not freshly made, it's like they we're been friends for a long time now. She decided to talk to him, he wasn't antisocial after all.
[Hey, um, Masamune...] Suzan called him, and he looked. [Can I call you Masa?]
[Sure.]
[Okay, Masa. Y'know, I noticed you and Freeman were quite close. How long you've been friends?]
[For years now.] He replied. Suzan was shocked. [...years before beginning this journey. I was just a Snivy and he was a boy dreaming of epic adventures. I wasn't really into battles, before...] Masamune suddenly paused his speech.
[Before...?] Suzan copied him, waiting for the rest.
[Can't share that now, Suzan. Sorry.] He replied. [Ask me anything else, though.]
[Hmmm...what about Arche?]
[Her. Well, she's quite an energetic type, most likely to insult, tease and prank everyone, but that's a display of friendly love and shouldn't be taken as hate or disrespect.] He explained. [Maybe latter though... but that's all I know about her right now. She seemingly loves competition...but hates losing.]
[I see...I can agree on most things. Maybe one day we can sit somewhere, around a bonfire, and share our stories?] She asked. Masamune glanced in the sky.
[That's a good idea. Someday.]
They arrived at the woods entrance. "Awright, youngins. Chances of wild pokemon are high there, so be on yer guard."
[I wasn't really afraid of them, you can stab them to death with that stake...you know which one.] Suzan quipped. Freeman sighed.
"Anchors aweigh, gresshoppers."
As they ventured deeper into the woods, it got more and more dark, due to the trees above blocking the sunlight. Suzan tried to look confident, but moved closer to Masamune every time she heard a shuffle or a distant cry.
[You know, Masamune...we're here in the middle of a forest, there might be some wild pokemon...and if we get attacked...] She asked, now getting awfully close to him. [Will you protect me?]
Masamune looked a bit perplexed. [I definitely will, but didn't you-] he was cut off by her putting her hand over his mouth, silencing him.
[Say no more.] she whispered and moved bit away from him, looking reassured.
[...Fine.]
The forest got more quiet yet thankfully still bright enough to see the path. Freeman got more anxious about this place. He stopped and took out Arche's pokeball. "You know, kids. I think I should check her out, how she's doin'." He was about to release her, but Suzan intervened.
[Wait, genius. Can't you analyze that pokeball?] She asked. Freeman withdrew his device, aimed at the pokeball and pressed 'Identify'. The info popped up, surprising the boy.
"Huh, thanks grasshopper."
[Always here if you need a brain.] she joked. [What does it say?]
"Hmmm. she's not hurt, but resting. She needs some sleep, I think. She probably didn't sleep well last night."
[She is sleeping...inside the ball?] Suzan asked, surprised that it's possible to sleep inside it.
[No. Up there, in the clouds.] Masamune replied, pointing upwards with a knowing look. Suzan looked amused.
[Wow, I didn't know you were up your sass with your sass.] she quipped.
[At least I have it...healthy amounts.]
The group continued their venture until they met an obstacle, a rather huge patch of long grass. "Uh, danget. What do we do?"
[Let's go dance it.] Suzan mumbled.
"And what if there're the wild pokemon?" Freeman asked. Suzan went closer to Masamune and grabbed his leafy arm.
[Don't worry, you still have me.] Masamune reassured. [And the patch isn't that high, you can still see me.]
"Oh, alright. Let's bite the bullet, eh." Masamune went into the grass and motioned Freeman to follow him. "Why can't I hold your hand, Masa?" Freeman joked.
[Why, you can-]
[No, you can't, he's mine right now.] Suzan cut him off. Masamune gave Freeman an 'I'm sorry' look. The team, led by Masamune with Suzan latched to him, moved on through the grass patch which was smaller that Freeman feared it would be, but later followed by another one, to the boy's dismay. Freeman tried to move as quietly and slowly as he could, which annoyed the Mawile. [Can't you move faster? Seriously, a Slowpoke mask suits you better with such speed.] Suzan jeered.
"I just don't wanna disturb any po-"
[Yes-yes, we know, but I see none here.] Suzan commented, showing around. [Masamune?]
[Neither.]
[See? I'll be surprised if someone jumps out.]
"Weird...it's flippin' day. The place must writhe with them." Freeman said to himself, scratching his fake beard as he kept moving on.
Soon, after they left out of the last patch, they found what looked like an exit out of woods. Leaving, they were greeted by so much sunlight, their eyes had to get used to it, except the Servine's. They saw a large opening, two paths with one of them leading to a house in a distance, and a pond. Freeman said nothing and went towards the latter. Suzan thought Masamune would follow, but instead, she saw him slightly turning his head at her, his eyes fixed at hers. She looked at her own arm holding his, realizing she was still holding him close and let go of him.
[...Let's go.] he said blankly and went towards the boy, with her following shortly.
Freeman placed his bag hear the lake and released Arche, who started stretching her limbs, looking like she taken a good rest. Freeman gave her head a scratch. "So, how's our furry powerhouse is doin'?" he asked. Suzan took a hit at that.
[You flatter me, Furry-man.] Arche replied, giggling.
"How you slept?"
[Just now? Plenty.]
"Nay, I mean, at night."
[At night? I slept well 'til I was woken by that alarm-clock bitten Mawile over there.] she pointed at the culprit. [Whatever was happening in her fuckin' skull made her bust my Z's and act like a fresh hero.]
[Pff, I wish you kept your mouth closed...especially when you sleep.]
[Shut up, twat.]
[Make me, you bitch.]
Just when another fight was about to ensue, the Servine stood up between them. Arche stopped and growled in frustration. [You know I'll get you later.] she threatened.
[Whatevs.] Suzan mumbled, not scared.
[Where are we, Furry-man?]
"It's not the city yet." Freeman said, pointing at the tall buildings in the distance. "But we're close."
[There's no one around here either.] Masamune commented. [Strange.]
[I expected to see battles, actually.] Suzan complained a bit.
"Agreed, it's getting kinda boring without action. Let's move on."
After they passed the lake using a bridge, they finally ended up in a big city of Rustboro. The ground there was laced with marble, giving it a more of a modern look that Oldale or Littleroot, as well as buildings being taller. Streetlights, a huge fountain, the whole scenery oozed futurism.
[Whoa, look at them...massive buildings.] Suzan marveled. [I've never seen such advanced towns before...] she said, then noticed a sign. [...Rustboro City. The city probing the integration of nature and science.]
[Nature and science...curious.] Masamune thought aloud, liking the part about integration.
"Wait, um...not to sound rude...but where did you learn to read?" Freeman asked Suzan, pleasantly surprised.
[It's a long story, I'll tell you later maybe.] Suzan dismissed with a wave.
"Hm, okay. Honestly...I find it refreshing that you are so knowledgeable.] Freeman complimented, rubbing her head with her seemingly enjoying it. Now Arche took a hit. She was about to contemplate a revenge plan...
[Oh, look there!] Arche suddenly wailed, pointing. The group looked in that direction to see a large crowd of people. Freeman was about to rush there, but got stopped by a vine.
[I bet you would love to put that mask away for now. You don't want to impale anyone.] Masamune joked. Freeman grumbled and put it away. The team went towards the crowd, but seeing what's up was difficult, for there were just too many people. [Everyone. What about we sneak there and see what's up? We're smaller and it won't be a big deal.] Masamune offered.
[Hey, yeah! Let's go!] Arche agreed, waiting for everyone to agree.
[Na-ah, not a good idea, that big maw of mine...]
[Hmmm...Freeman, if you lift Suzan, she should see everything.] Masamune offered and the boy did as told. [Let's not ask her what's going on there, and see it on our own. I don't want to spoil anything.]
[Same here.] Arche replied impatiently, then left into the crowd with Masamune following. He tried not to disturb much people, but according to some people's voices, Arche was bulldozing her way through. When they found a good watching spot in the front line, they both met each other and decided to stick together.
[Gosh, that one guy's boots reek like a sweaty Grimer. His socks must radiate in darkness from how toxic they are.]
[...Your nose had quite an experience in life. Especially with Grimers.] Masamune said with a grin. [What's happening anyway?]
[There...] Arche pointed out. Masamune looked to see that the commotion was over a battle. It was not a typical two newbie trainers' battle, with both Pokemon being completely new to Arche; one was a robotic spider, with x-shaped engraving on it's face, whose size was simply abnormal, the biggest pokemon she ever saw in person, even if she remembered hearing from others that the largest in the world were Wailord species. Another one was a purple, quadruped dragon with orange wings, its bulk relatively smaller, but seemingly having enough power to share. Both exchanged blows and blasts in an intense bout of domination, not showing signs of backing down. Their trainers seemingly gave up commanding them as both Pokemon were obviously too 'busy'.
As for Arche, she was flabbergasted. Never before she witnessed a battle as intense as this. Every fight she saw or had before seemed childish in magnitude. But this; every time the robot landed caused tremors and the dragon's fire heat could be felt from distance. At this moment she felt she had enough training motivation for a lifetime.
Meanwhile with Freeman and the Mawile. "Do you see anything, Suzan?"
[Yes.]
"And?"
[Heads. Countless noggins that stand in my view. Other than that, I see nothing, mister Freeman. Nothing!] Suzan told, waving her arms. [A feast for nihilists.]
"Maybe I'll raise you a bit higher..." Freeman said, grunting and lifting her higher. Since he had difficulties, Suzan was somewhat irritated.
[Am I heavy now, mister Freeman?]
"Er...nope, It's me who's a weakling, but I can hold you for some time, I guess." he blurted. Suzan felt kinda relieved and elated. "So, see anything now?" he asked, with his hands shaking from effort.
[Now I can see...a Metagross and a Salamence, fighting.] she said, surprised.
"I can tell from here, something intense in happening." he commented.
[So, you say if Ice Punch connects, that dragon is done for?] Arche asked Masamune.
[Yes, its both types are weak to the Ice element, so even if it endures the hit and doesn't faint, it won't be able to do much more.]
[Heh, element nerd...Do you at least know their names?]
[You mean species?...yes, the robotic one is Metagross. The dragon one is-]
[Don't really care.] Arche simply cut him off. [I like that robot spider. Don't care about that other one.] Arche didn't like that dragon, it's attacks missed too much and it roared all the time, coming off as mouthy and nothing more. To her, it was 'meh' compared to the Metagross, who was deadly voiceless, and it's design was also cool, massive, intimidating and...just cool. She loved it. [I'm wondering how long this battle is on.]
[I have no idea...but there's not much we can do to shorten it, or stop it.]
[Oh really...?] Arche asked almost inaudibly, evilly smiling. She looked around to find something to use for her fresh nefarious plan. She found an used bottle that a human discarded. She glanced at the Servine; he looked somehow hypnotized by the battle. She ran to the bottle and picked it up, ensuring that no one saw her. Picking up a moment, she flung the bottle hard at the dragon, which hit square on it's head. The dragon screamed in fury, looking around for the culprit. Angry, it charged flames, about to spew Fire Blast at a random human in blind fury, but was cut off. A cold, metallic fist collided with it's body, propelling it away, where it landed near the audience. The super-effective attack knocked it out instantly. Arche meanwhile hid behind a spectators feet, giggling in success.
"No! Salamence!" a boy yelled, his voice audible through the drone of crowd's voices. Arche immediately didn't like this.
[Eh, someone hasn't enough brain cells to come up with a better name for their pets. What a shame.] she thought and looked to see the dragon's trainer. He returned the defeated pokemon back into its ball. Arche looked to see the trainer's face, seeing that it was full of rage that was about to explode.
"WHOEVER DID THIS CRAP COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR ASS! HUH?! COME ON!" the trainer screamed into the crowd of people, expecting someone to come out and fight him. Arche thought it would be good to pummel that cocky human into submission, but she had enough fun for today.
"Hey Paul, actually my Metagross...'did this crap' by knocking your Salamence out, so don't be mad. Losing is normal." the second trainer said, approaching the first one. Arche didn't pay much attention to their outfits, but their hair were unusually colored; the Salamence boy had purple, the Metagross man had gray.
"Humph! I kinda doubt you'd say that if YOU would lose!" the boy snarled back. "I saw with both my eyes, Steven! Someone from the crowd distracted Salemence!"
The older man, Steven, sighed. "Look, I understand that losing sucks. But let me be honest here; this is your umpteenth excuse for losing." the man reminded.
[Damn, what a punk...] Arche whispered.
"I know I lost other battles fairly, but this time I swear I saw someone throw some trash on his head or something! I fucking swear!"
"Paul, no need to go to extreme lengths to prove your right. Just accept the loss, learn and move on." Steven consoled.
[Heh, I like that man too.] she said, observing Steven.
"But- goddammit!" Paul growled.
"Well, Paul. I am grateful you found some time to battle with me, but now I have other business to do. Take care of yourself and your pokemon." Steven said, leaving and the crowd moved away to let him. Arche detected that gray-haired man must be widely respected by folks.
"Sure thing." Paul said in a bilious voice. He looked clearly irritated by people surrounding him. "Now what the hell you're looking at, dorks? Go home! The show is over!" he shooed everyone, stomping away and whispering in malice. The crowd slowly dissipated. Arche had an itching desire to chuck something at him, but suppressed it, it would be too much trouble. She quickly located Masamune and went to him.
[Hey-hey, Masamune.] she greeted.
[Where you've been?]
[Let's find Freeman, we're in a crowd so I don't wanna lose him here.] she blurted, ignoring his question. He was about to ask again, when she pulled him with herself. [I think we came from this direction. Let's go.] she said, hastily pulling him with her. He decided not to ask now.
Later after the battle, the streets were occupied with people gossiping about the big fight. The spectators with cameras shared photos and videos, which looked more like a competition of who had the best angle of view or filmed more epic moments. Freeman didn't actually care, so he decided to settle in a room in the Pokemon Center. The room wasn't free though, 1000 Poke, unlike past towns, and the cost hit his budget, and now the boy was restlessly walking back and forth inside his relatively bigger room, contemplating what to do next.
[I don't like your face, Furry-man.] Arche suddenly said to Freeman while he was lying on the bed, while Masamune and Suzan had a match of chess.
"Yeah, that's why I wear a mask sometimes." Freeman replied, laughing a bit.
[Haha, now that wasn't a personal insult. I mean, why you look sour?]
"Well...I'm just short on money and I was thinking where I am going to get some from, you know. Just worried about us all."
[We could gain them from somewhere, you know. Win some battles, or steal.] Arche said simply.
"Yeah, I know that's simple. But where? Trainers don't have much, you know."
[There was a place called Gym nearby, you forgot, mister Freeman?] Suzan reminded. [If we compete, and if we win, we might nab a huge reward for winning.]
[That's right, but the opponents must be tough enough to make the prize worth the efforts...] Masamune added.
[Well, let me give you a single fact that will destroy all that indecisiveness of yours.] Suzan said, her words oozing confidence. [Our types! Arche is Fighting, You are Grass, I'm Steel...and Fairy though, but it's not what matters. We're all have super-effective moves against Rock, which is the main type of this gym! From what I gather...]
[Hm, this is a very uplifting fact indeed.] Masamune said, unusually elated, but only Freeman could tell that he faked it. [One thing piqued my interest; why did you list yourself and your own type? And even mentioned super-effectiveness?] Masamune pointed out. Suzan got all nervous. [I understand, you wanted to help and elate us, but you said you won't-]
[SHUT UP, just...shut up, you...shut up. Say nothing, and shut up.] Suzan cut him off, making others laugh a bit.
[Oh, what if we both will get beaten?] Arche asked, teasing her. [Yes, you will stay aside, little scaredy Mawile.] Suzan was mad, she couldn't even say she wouldn't even stay aside...
[I'm surprised you even considered your own defeat possible, Arche. That's not the usual you.] Masamune pointed out, now making Suzan laugh at her. Arche growled.
[...okay...] they heard a quiet voice.
[Eh? Where did that come from?] Arche asked in a sweet voice, knowing exactly who said that.
[I said okay, maybe I can do it.] Suzan suddenly admitted, her voice louder. [Who knows? You both still have super-effective moves and probably will win without me. But if, and only IF, you both will be taken out, I will join. Don't put me in first, I beg of you, mister Freeman.] Suzan said, last sentence sounded more like a demand. Freeman agreed.
[Wow, now that's the spirit.] Arche said. [I hope you have some experience. Don't want to hurt ourselves, do we?]
[Don't worry, I'll manage.] Suzan said back. [I rarely use my maw, actually...] she reminded. then opened it wide and clamped with a metallic crunch sound. [...Because of my pacifism. But if situation is dire, I might change my mind.]
"Don't overestimate yourself then." Freeman said. "Don't want my little pet to get hurt.
...
[What?!] Suzan and Arche exclaimed.
[...what?] Masamune asked in a dead silence, playing along.
"J-just kidding just kidding!" Freeman defended. "Okay? I meant...don't think my...little pet could get hurt because they're rather tough." he said quietly, smiling.
[I'm not your pet kiddo.] Suzan growled, glaring at the kid. [If you try to enslave me, I will make you feel...very uncomfortable.] she almost threatened.
"Well, I was kidding as I said, so I don't fear that fate." he replied calmly. "Are we going to visit that Gym now, or what?"
[Wait, aren't we supposed to look up that man who knows about my evolution?] Arche asked. Freeman froze.
[Do you at least remember your own name, young trainer?] Masamune asked jokily. Freeman sighed.
"...alright, kids. We're gonna do the Gym battle now. After that, we'll stay in this city, have a break for some days and look for Jason. Late events were too much."
[Too much for a weak human like you?] Suzan jeered slightly.
"Yep, too much. I'm not that of a skilled adventurer yet, you see?" Freeman admitted. "Arche, let's go. You two can stay here."
[Wait, I'm not staying here alone!] Suzan rushed to Freeman, forgetting the Servine.
[Hmmm...if they would leave, you wouldn't stay here alone but with me. But since neither I want to stay, I'll go out too...] Masamune said, following her.
[Nerd.] Arche said and ran out of the room, giggling.
"Yeah, you can guys come too, I guess. That's no jail..." he said, leaving the room with his pokemon and locking it. "Actually, I don't know where the Gym is, nor where Jason lives. But we won't find if we won't search, so let's go, eh?"
When the team was outside, Masamune and Arche were in the back with the boy leading the way, though he didn't know where, and Suzan inspecting the Pokedex. Freeman visited some houses and asked if someone knew of a man named Jason. While some said they didn't know, one of the natives told Freeman that Jason lives in a house next to the Gym of this city. So when Freeman was also told where the Gym is, he thanked the woman and left looking for his destination.
As for his Pokemon, Suzan was still browsing his Pokedex with curiosity. Arche chatted with (or maybe even through) Masamune, while he felt like replying with something here and there, because ignoring and just 'mhm'-ing would be rude. She seemingly kept rambling stories about her shenanigans and even lied about some of them...he didn't actually pay much mind to them. Until one moment actually caught his attention.
[So, haha, yeah, you know who did the distracting thing there in the battle? Me! I threw a bottle at that dragon and it landed right on it's skull!] Arche said, actively gesturing. Now Masamune looked like he was interested. [That Salamence became pissed as fuck and was about to toast a random human because it could, but that big robot spider punched it with its big ice-cold FIST and knocked it's pants out! Then there was this little pissed-up fucker who got all angry over his pathetic pet, screaming shit like 'come out and show your ass!', I kinda thought I'd put his mouth where his asshole is, but not today. Then, the Metagross trainer came and finished the mortified boy...'this is your umpteenth excuse for losing' he said! Wasn't he just a big loser?] she rambled, finally calming down. Masamune actually thought of her action as bad, but didn't want to lecture her, knowing that she wouldn't listen anyway.
[Interesting story, despite the fact that dragons don't wear pants, Arche.] he corrected.
[I know, just saying. That's how humans joke, anyway.]
[You could instead say, 'The robot knocked it's daylights out'...but wait, that's quite an overused joke. Maybe something like 'Refrigerated it's guts?' or 'Punched it's thoughts into space?'. Or maybe even 'Gave it a supreme arctic massage'?]
[Eh, does it matter? The robot won, the dragon lost. All thanks to-]
[So YOU guys did it?] they heard Suzan's voice. She seemingly went to them while Arche rambled and Suzan probably heard it all while walking right next to them. [The battle ended because of you? The purple haired trainer said someone distracted his pokemon...] she said, eying them both. Arche folded her arms behind her back, trying to look innocent. She then slowly pointed at Masamune, who was unaware. The moment he felt something funny, he glanced at her, but Arche suddenly looked away as if she had done nothing. [It was you?] Suzan asked Masamune. He was somewhat taken back.
[Yes. I did it.] he admitted suddenly, then his eyes gained a rather dark look, staring in Suzan's. [...Such a vile deed coming from me should not surprise you...for I am a force from beyond this puny mortal realm, that hungers destruction, knows no ruth, exists not without hatred, consumes mortal souls, and whose presence is pure, unadulterated evil.] he said in a slow and dark voice, trying his best to exaggerate while approaching Suzan, who cowered a bit. [Immeasurable, nihilistic, malignant, remorseless...] he whispered, each time looking closer and closer in her eyes. Suzan was genuinely scared...until Masamune suddenly returned to his normal look and sighed. [You really believe that it was me? Can't you see it was her?] he said, pointing at Arche. The Riolu, while trying to look like innocence itself, didn't object.
[Guilty. Couldn't help.] Arche admitted. [By the way, you played well Masa. Just look at her.] she pointed at the Mawile, who looked weirded out.
[What the fu-]
[Apologies, Suzan. I was merely acting. I was exaggerating on intent.] Masamune reassured. Suzan sighed in relief, then rubbed her temples.
[Wait-wait, alright. The 'evil one' thing was a joke, I get it. But now you won't leave 'till you tell me this. What in the world of banana peels you did there?!] she asked him. He slightly glared. She immediately turned to Arche, remembering he wasn't the initiator.
[I...um, negotiated with that oversized lizard and made it lose.] Arche lied shamelessly. [It was mad a bit, but it cooled down later.] she said, putting an emphasis on 'cooled'.
[Ugh...you. But Masamune...why didn't you stop her?]
[Arche is naughty, Suzan, and you know it. I don't think I can control her. I don't think anyone can. She learns best from first-hand experience, so preaching her will be useless. I think she can learn what's bad and good only on her own...] he said, looking at Arche, who looked glad that he knew her, even if a bit. [Anyway, the Salamence from before will know not to be distracted by mere spectators.]
[You guys...] Suzan said quietly, shocked. [Especially you Masamune, I didn't think you were that bad.] she accused, with a disappointed look. [How could you-]
[Let me remind you, Suzan. I didn't help her with this.] he defended himself. [But in all honesty, I'm not her nurse and I don't watch her all the time, so I didn't see how she sneaked away while I was watching the battle.] he defended. [I admit, watching battles is my soft spot and I get lost easily while observing them. Also, my wrong about letting her run off, but if I knew that she's up to such a mischief, I would restrain her right then.] he confessed. [...and in the end, will it help the situation if I'll admit my wrong to you?]
[Yeah, it will prove us that you're at least ashamed of what you did.] Suzan accused again.
[...I didn't DO anything, as I said. But I understand you, I should be ashamed of what I did not, and I mean, hold her back.]
[T-that's right, you should be.] Suzan quickly corrected.
[And it's quite strange but...you still don't know what exactly happened there, do you? Not curious at all?] he asked. The Mawile lit up in curiosity.
[Didn't Arche just tell us? Or was she lying?] Suzan asked. Masamune nodded.
[You actually...or probably heard her telling it to me, but I'll say it again-]
[I chucked a random bottle at that Salamences head. I wanted to spice that battle up and I that Metagross was best anyway, so...you know.] Arche confessed, still trying to look like nothing she did was bad. Suzan growled, then somewhat boldly pulled Masamune's head to level her own.
[You will keep an eye on her.] She said strictly in his ear. [And don't let her do other reckless shit, tie her up and down if necessary. I might be a newbie in this bunch, but I wanna prove my worth to mister Freeman, and don't want my fresh trainer's reputation to be spoiled, along with my own.]
[Yes, ma'am.] he submitted, not sounding scared at all. He totally understood her forceful action. [But have you forgot what I said?]
[Nope, naughty nature.] Suzan remembered. [But you're bigger and stronger, you can- you SAID you will restrain her, so you will keep a promise.]
[Hm. So the fact that he's bigger and stronger doesn't scare you, huh?] Arche pointed out, nodding at Suzan holding his head.
[Nope.] she quickly let go of him and went next to the trainer.
[Bold little Mawile, isn't she?] Arche commented.
[Ar least someone is here to help me control you.]
[Hmph, good luck with that.]
"Guys...I think that's the place." Freeman said. Some time later, they found the Gym they were looking for. It was a building bigger that Pokemon Center, not taller, but somewhat wider.
"So, guys. We're here." Freeman said, looking at the door and not moving for some time.
[The door is quite interesting isn't it?] Suzan said, marveling. [So much creativity and skill! It's just so...plain and white.]
"Yeah, look. There's a note." Freeman said, pointing at a note sticked next to the door. It said;
Rules of Rustboro Gym.
1: The current Gym Leader is Roxanne. Defying it is forbidden.
2: Bringing more than one Pokemon outside their pokeballs inside the Gym is forbidden. You can have a single companion next to yourself and we can't forbid that, but two or more outside are forbidden.
3: Alcohol and smoking inside the Gym are also forbidden.
4: Ensure your Pokemon are under your total control! Damage of the Gym's property is also forbidden.
5: For men (and a certain group of women as well); The Gym Leader Roxanne does not take any date suggestions. Don't even try. She's a business woman and has no time for men (or a certain group of women). Coming with gifts is forbidden, unless you are here to challenge her.
6: If the automatic door doesn't open on it's own, try later. It must a bug in the system. Kicking, punching, headbutting or ramming the door is forbidden, it is also the property of the Gym.
"Hm...so that's what it says." Freeman said after he read the rules to the team, scratching his head.
[What cuntish rules.] Arche spat in disgust.
[Honestly, that sign over there seems friendlier...and even smarter that this note.] Masamune jibed, pointing at the sign near the Gym.
[Well, doesn't mean we're gonna break them...right?] Suzan asked everyone.
[Well, I have to admit...] Masamune drawled, glancing at Arche. [It would be fun to break them ALL at the same time, right?] Arche turned thoughtful, and grinned an evil smile. [Yes, it would be glorious. But we're not doing it.] he said sternly. Arche pouted. [I'm warning you. I will restrain you. You won't even battle there.] Arche pouted even harder. She pulled the corners of her lips with her fingers downwards, forcing her frown deeper, to the point of being funny.
[Shite.] Arche cussed, returning to her normal expression.
"Alright. Masamune, Suzan, I'll need to return you for now." he said, putting them back into their balls. "Oh, yeah. I almost forgot..." he stopped, withdrew the Shiftry mask and put it on.
[Beware, Gym leaders. Furry von Spearnose impales all life and is coming for your asses.] Arche joked.
"Yeah, yeah. Now let's go." he said, walking through the automatic doors with his pokemon following by his side. When the two found themselves inside, a man in a green costume and a hairdo approached Freeman. "So, you're the new challenger, eh?" he asked, not dazed by Freeman' image. "Ready to take on Roxanne?"
[We were from the moment we went in here, dumbass.] Arche said in her pokespeech.
"Hehe, it seems your pokemon is quite confident." the man said, not getting what she said.
"My title is Freeman." the boy said in an old man voice, giving his hand.
"Uh, hi." the man reluctantly shook it. "Nothing personal. My job here is to instruct new challengers the way to reach the Gym Leader."
"We have to go through an obstacle?" Freeman asked, pointing in the distance.
"Yes, you have to go through a labyrinth. There are multiple trainers inside and if they spot you, you will have to battle them. These are rules." the man explained. Arche grumbled at the word 'rules'.
"Anything else I must be informed with?" Freeman asked, distracting the man.
"Yes, in the end you will meet Roxanne and battle her as well. Don't worry about the complexity of it. It's almost impossible to get lost there." the man reassured.
"Alright." Freeman said confidently, but actually feeling slight fear. It was his first gym battle after all. "I'm going inside." he said and moved on. There were some entries into the labyrinth, he picked the left one and went inside.
The trainers he encountered inside were extremely easy to beat, all of them having Rock-types. The space was never too tight for battles. so Arche Force Palm'd her way through the labyrinth, facing no problems at all. After the fifth trainer, Freeman found his way out and found the Gym Leader, a young brunette Roxanne.
She seemed to have waited for him, standing on the opposite side of a large battlefield. "I was told a rather bizarre trainer challenged the Gym..." Roxanne said, eying Freeman. "A PokeManiac, I presume?"
"Correct, young ma'am. I am PokeManiac Freeman. This is my Riolu companion, Arche."
[Hey, sexy gal.] Arche greeted, trying to hide the lewdness behind cheerfulness.
"Hi." The Gym leader said back "Riolu, huh...never seen this species before..." Roxanne said quietly. "But enough preludes. You ready?"
"Yes. Arche, step up." Freeman commanded. Arche ran into the field, taking a stance. She seemed confident and Freeman felt like he shouldn't let her down with this one.
"Come out, Geodude!" She sent out her pokeball and a living rock with a pair of powerful arms emerged from the red light. "I might as well begin. Geodude, Rollout!" she ordered. The Rock Pokemon's body shined as it curled up, bowling towards Arche at threatening speeds.
"Force Palm." Arche wasted to time doing as told and prepared to slam her attack against the approaching foe. The attack landed successfully, knocking the Geodude out.
[Ooh yeah, one fucker is down.] Arche said, ready for more.
"Good, return Geodude." Roxanne returned the Geodude. "Graveler!" She threw out another pokeball. A bigger, four-armed boulder pokemon appeared, it's size slightly intimidating to Freeman.
"Graveler, use Rock Throw!" Roxanne commanded. The pokemon started ripping rocks out of it's own body and with it's four arms, chucking these projectiles at Arche. The Riolu had to block them, but it was quite an onslaught on her. She tried to dodge, but immediately got hit by a rock. Thrown back, Arche quickly got up on her knee, panting.
"You can still fight?" Freeman asked. Arche remembered the battle with Masamune earlier and didn't want any more of that. She'll fight to the end.
[Yeah, I'll do it.] She said, gasping and holding her chest in pain. She stood up and took a fighting stance.
"Try Force Palm!" Freeman ordered. Roxanne ordered Graveler to use Rock Throw again, but Arche beat her to it; she picked up a bigger rock, one of those the Graveler threw, and flung it at her opponent, sniping square on it's head. Arche inwardly smiled, that was quite a spree today. Wasting no time, she rushed and hit it in the belly with a Force Palm, pushing it back a bit.
[Dammit, a tough one.] Arche commented. She charged her Force Palm again, ran at the Graveler and jumped to attack its head this time, but its massive arm caught her midair. [Ehehehe...don't hurt me?] she begged, faking innocence. She tried to launch a sudden punch, but failed since she was held in a distance where she couldn't attacks it. It took a tight grip at the smaller pokemon and delivered a rather hard headbutt, still holding her in its grasp. Arche could only defend herself with her paws as the headbutts hit almost her whole body. The Graveler finalized with a Mega Punch, flinging Arche's body far away. She landed out of the battlefield, unconscious.
Freeman said nothing, only tightening his fist. Quietly returning her, he withdrew the pokeball of his trusted starter. "Masamune, your turn."
After the Servine appeared on the field, Roxanne was yet again surprised. "Another foreign one...?"
"Yes. This is my starter, in fact." Freeman said. "My strongest one."
"My Graveler is no pushover either. Use Magnitude!" she ordered.
"Iron Tail!"
The Rock Pokemon jumped into the air, planning to crash it's tremendous weight on the ground, which, as Masamune though, would cause a tremor. So he ran at the bigger pokemon, with his tail gaining a silverish light and right before the Graveler landed, he somersaulted forward, successfully slamming his Iron Tail on it's head. The Graveler was his rather hard, as it was simply flung backwards.
"G-graveler!" Roxanne bawled. "C'mon get up, please!"
[Shit, that hurt...] it growled, getting up and rubbing it's dome.
[Apologies.] Masamune said with a small grin.
"Okay, use Mega Punch now!" Roxanne ordered.
Right when the Graveler approached him with a punch ready, the Servine swiftly dodged the blow. The Rock Pokemon followed, swinging its fists at Masamune, whose agility made the Graveler's efforts futile. Over time, it got annoyed at the swift pokemon, stopping to take a breather.
[You little green worm.] Graveler growled. [I will smash you!] it added, rushing at Masamune, to try and to punch him yet again. This time, the Graveler secretly prepared a rock, and after Masamune dodged an umpteenth blow, it chucked a rock at him, hitting him in the abdomen and distracting him. Meanwhile the Graveler got close enough to deliver a Mega Punch, which it did, propelling him away and almost out of the field. He quickly got up and shook his head.
[Alright, you're no pushover. Unlike Arche.] He thought.
[How that felt, eh?] Graveler teased. [Rocked your brain?]
[It hurt...but I gotta warn...] Masamune said, withdrawing a vine. [This will hurt you even more than before.]
Before it used Rock Throw on its own, Masamune quickly whacked the Graveler with his vine, causing it to hiss in pain. He followed by a series of whip lashes, finishing it with an Iron Tail, which sent flying. It landed on its back, growling before finally fainting.
"Return, Graveler." Roxanne said, withdrawing Graveler, seeming unusually calm. As for Masamune, he seemingly could continue fighting. "Well, you almost did it, PokeManiac Freeman. But now goes my strongest Pokemon."
"Shit..." Freeman hissed. He could swear he saw Roxanne grin at that.
"Lunatone!" she declared, throwing the Pokeball into the field. The following light revealed a floating, cartoonish crescent with a pair of scary, red eyes and a beak-like protrusion on its 'face'. The last foe silently floated, staring at Masamune, not blinking it's relatively large orbs. Freeman and his starter didn't know what to expect from this enigmatic looking pokemon...
A/N That's fucking it. I doubt any of you actually waited for a new chapter of this, haha! But if you did, here you go. I still keep writing and turning my obsession into fruition, but this process is VERY FUCKING SLOW. So...all of best to y'all, folks. Patience included :P.