Let's Kick It Up A Notch!
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Dawn, Paul, and I were all jamming out to the song "Check Yes Juliet" by We The Kings on the Rock Band 2 Wii game. Dawn was the singer, Paul played the drums, and I played the lead guitar! We were towards the end of the song already, and Dawn was singing pretty well.
Dawn:
Run baby run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we are not meant to be
Run baby run
Forever will be
You and me
You and me
You and me
The song ended and the virtual crowd cheered and whistled loudly. Dawn and I gave each other high-fives.
Me: Oh, yeah! That's what I'm talking about! XD
Dawn: I know! That was so much fun!
Paul: Hmph. Too easy.
Me: That's 'cause you set it on the "Easy" level, dummy. While moi had set it on Expert!
Paul: *glares* I told you, I didn't know how to do that.
Dawn & Me: *rolls eyes* Suuuure…
Paul: *death glares*
Me: *ignores him* Alright! Sing it out for us, Dawn!
Dawn: Gotcha! *sings into microphone* MoonlightNinja55! Disclaims all Pokemon! Except for characters she had made, and this awesome, nifty song~!
Me: *thumbs up* That was sweet! See, I knew you were ready for the next level!
Dawn: *blushes and smiles*
Paul: Whatever. I want a redo.
Me: Ok, but I'm warning you! The higher the level, the trickier it is!
Paul: Fine with me. I don't back down from challenges.
Me: Glad to hear that, because that's what this chappie is about!
Paul & Dawn: Huh?
Me: Just start the song! *turns back to camera* I hope everyone will enjoy the story! X3
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
~Chapter 6: Paul Verses Paxie!~
"Oh, wow! This place is wonderful!" Paxie exclaimed.
She and Elanor gazed at the view of Sandgem Town with eyes glittering in excitement. It was a lovely town, and just like Twinleaf, had lush green grass and lots of trees. It also gave off that quiet, peaceful vibe and that fresh clean outdoors smell. The only difference was that Sandgem had more houses, shops, and paved roads than Twinleaf. Still, the way the sun shined down on this small town helped show a unique beauty no city could match.
Dawn, Ash, Brock, and their pokemon all smiled at their new traveling companions who were feasting their eyes on the wondrous sight. It was going to be an interesting journey now that these two were with them. Suddenly, something crossed Dawn's mind.
"Oh! You didn't get introduced to all our pokemon yet, did you?" she told Paxie. Paxie peeled her eyes away from Sandgem Town and spun around to face her. She tapped her chin. "Hmm…now that you mention it, I didn't."
"Why don't we go to the Pokemon Center here?" Brock suggested. "That way, our pokemon can get to know each other while getting some rest."
"That's a great idea!" Ash approved with a grin. Dawn smiled too as Pikachu and Piplup rooted in joy. "What do you think, Paxie?"
"Sounds like a plan!" she agreed happily. "Did you hear that, Elanor? You're going to meet more new friends!"
"Espeon! (Magnificent!)" she said to her master. Paxie bent down to stroke her velvet back.
"Then it's settled! Here I come, Nurse Joy!" Brock shouted and broke into a run. The others sweat dropped.
"What was that about?" Paxie asked Ash. Ash sheepishly grinned.
"Brock is always doing that," he explained.
"Yeah, he always flirts with any girl he thinks is pretty, especially when it comes to a Nurse Joy or an Officer Jenny," Dawn said.
"You mean like that one time when he did that to me?" Paxie asked, pointing to herself.
"Exactly," Ash and Dawn replied simultaneously. Paxie sweat dropped and rolled her eyes. "Geez, I didn't know he was such a womanizer…"
Ash and Dawn cocked their heads to the side in confusion. Paxie sweat dropped again.
"Uh, never mind…" she muttered, and then thought, "I know Dawn is kind of young to know this, but Ash? Really?" She sighed and gazed up at the clear, azure sky.
"May the adventure begin."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
(Theme song)
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Nurse Joy had just handed over a trainer's pokemon after healing them when, all of a sudden, somebody grabbed her hand. She gasped when she saw it was a man with brown spikey hair and eyes that were squinted. He knelt down on one knee and flashed a charming white smile at her.
"You are like the heart that beats life into my soul!" he declared. "And your beauty shines so strong, no Goddess can compete with it!" He leaned in on her and she stared at him in bewilderment and fright. "Tell me…do you believe in love at first sight? Or do I need to walk by again-?"
He yelped in pain when Croagunk jabbed him in the side with his Poison Jab. He released his hold on Nurse Joy's hand and fell back. His body was now paralyzed and his arms and legs were all up in the air. Nurse Joy hovered over him with a hand to her lips. "Oh, dear…"
Just then, Dawn and the gang arrived at the Pokemon Center. The glass doors whooshed open and they walked inside. Paxie was the first to suck in air. "Oh my god, Brock! Are you okay?" She rushed to his side and Elanor tagged along.
"Actually, Paxie, Brock's not…" Dawn began, but decided to let it go and let her friend find out on her own. Paxie hovered over him and looked at him sympathetically. Her head then turned to face Nurse Joy. "Well? Aren't you going to do something?"
The nurse looked startled. "Uhh…"
"Look at him! Who could have done such a thing!" Paxie fretted. All eyes fell on Croagunk who looked at his paw and hid it behind his back before avoiding eye contact. "Can't you see he needs medical attention-?"
"You're the only cure for me," Brock said, out of the blue, as he snapped back to his old self again and held Paxie's hand. Everyone sweat dropped.
"That's precisely what he did to me," Nurse Joy told her. Hearing this, anger built inside Paxie and she focused that feeling into her fist. "You…you…"
"DARN WOMANIZER!" She sent him flying with an uppercut and he cried out when his head hit the ceiling, creating a slightly big crack. All were dumbfounded by this violent move as they watched him land on the floor with a huge THUD! He groaned, feeling more in pain than before.
"…poor Brock," Dawn finally spoke up, regretting her choice to not clear the situation to Paxie. "I wonder which one hurt the most…"
"Let's just say that Poison Jab seemed less painful," Ash gave his opinion and sweat dropped.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"Oh, look. He got a new ice pack for his widdle head," Paxie muttered sarcastically as she saw Brock approaching them. "He sure is quick to throw out the old ice packs. Is this new ice pack better looking than the last one, Brock? Is that why you were so fast to change it?"
"I'm sorry, Paxie," he apologized for like the thousandth time. "I had you worried about me, and I'm sorry…"
"Yeah, well…I guess I was kind of out of line too. I forgive you…for now…" she said while pouting with her arms crossed. Dawn nervously smiled, glad that her friends had at least made up. "Ok, now that that's settled…" She took off her backpack and set it down on the floor. She then proceeded to open it and reach for her poke balls, which she pulled out and threw them up in the air. "C'mon out, everyone!"
Two pokemon appeared in a beam of red light. One was a yellow and chocolate brown bunny while the other was a cute blue and white squirrel with yellow cheek sacs.
"Alright! Time to come on out, too!" Ash rooted as he got out his poke balls and threw them. Brock did the same. In an instant, more pokemon appeared. There was a Grass-type turtle, a purple monkey, a black-and-white-feathered bird with an orange beak, and another pokemon that could have been mistaken for a walking log with branches as arms that had three green spheres at the tips. Croagunk was already out.
"Oh, I better take out Leo!" Paxie remembered. She dug through her tote bag and took out his poke ball. With a press of a button, she opened the poke ball and in a red bolt, the Luxio came out.
"Ok, so this is Buneary and Pachirisu!" Dawn chirped as she introduced her pokemon first. The cute duo held hands and cheered.
"This is Turtwig, Aipom, and Staravia," Ash introduced his pokemon next.
"And this is Sudowoodo," Brock introduced last. "You sort of already know my Croagunk…"
"Yeah," Paxie responded, eyeing the blue frog. Then, to their pokemon, she said, "Hey, guys! This is Elanor and Leo."
Her Espeon and Luxio began to mingle with the others. Buneary, Pachirisu, and Aipom crowded around Elanor, while Turtwig, Staravia, and Sudowoodo crowded around Leo.
"(Greetings, good friends)," Elanor spoke kindly to them. "(It's wonderful to meet you all)."
"(Wow! A new girl?)" Pachirisu hyperly squealed. "(This is so exciting! Now we can all be best friends forever! Yay!)" The cute squirrel started to run around Elanor ecstatically. The Espeon sighed and sweat dropped.
"(Don't mind her)," Aipom said. "(She's just a very happy pokemon. Sometimes, a little too happy for my taste…)"
"(Oh…I see)," was all Elanor could say.
"(Tee hee! Oh, c'mon!)" Buneary said, smiling and nudging her a bit. "(Traveling together will be fun! I promise!)"
Elanor smiled back at her. "(Then, I shall trust your words.)"
"(Hello, there)," Turtwig greeted Leo first. "(It's nice to see another man in our mist.)"
"(The pleasure's all mine)," Leo replied, smiling cockily.
"(Where do you come from?)" Sudowoodo asked.
"(Oh, just around…)" he answered simply.
"(Well, I hope we can become great friends)," Staravia benignly said. Leo looked at him hard and then, out of nowhere, a memory of the time when he saved Elanor back at that forest flashed through his mind.
"(You!)" he growled low and bared his teeth. "(I thought I defeated you! Did you come back to hurt Elanor or Paxie again?)" He took a step towards him, and Staravia took a step back, confused.
"(What? What's he talking about?)" Turtwig questioned Staravia. (Have you met Leo before?)"
"(N-No! I haven't!)" Staravia denied anxiously.
"(Liar!)" Leo cried. "(I remember you and your friends ganging up on them! Have you no shame?)" It was then that Paxie took notice of how her Luxio was acting towards Ash's Staravia. The others noticed as well.
"Leo, no!" Paxie cried, getting between him and Staravia. "He's not the same Staravia from the forest! This is Ash's pokemon!"
"(What?)" Leo said, astonished. "(But, I thought…)"
The glass doors of the Pokemon Center whooshed open. Everyone spun around to see who just came in. Both Dawn's and Paxie's eyes grew wide.
Out of all the people in the world, a certain plum-haired guy just so happened to arrive at that very moment.
"Here we go again," Paxie thought, a headache coming on.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"Ah, hell," Paul cursed in his mind. "It's them again. What are they doing here? Are they following me?" He grunted. "Just ignore them and pretend they aren't even there…"
Paul walked straight towards the counter where Nurse Joy was standing, without so much as a glance in the gang's direction.
"Here you go!" Nurse Joy chirped as she handed back his pokemon. "You're all set."
Paul bowed respectfully. "Thanks." He turned around and was approaching the exit when he heard Ash call him. "Hey, Paul!"
He scowled before facing his so-called "rival." "What?"
"Looks to me your pokemon are healed. How about we battle?"
Paul scoffed. "There's no way I'm wasting my time battling. Besides, when are you going to see that I'm just stronger than you?"
"Never!" Ash angrily refused. "Because training pokemon harshly won't make you stronger! Only through friendship and teamwork can you ever be truly strong!"
"And how is that working out for you?" Paul countered.
Ash tightened his fists and took a step towards him, but Brock held him back by the shoulders. "Hey, easy now. We don't want any trouble."
Paul smirked. "You're still so pathetic, Ash." Ash gritted his teeth.
"Enough!" Paxie had at last spoke up and stormed right up to him. "No jerk is going to pick on my friends and think they can get away with it!"
"Oh, yeah? And who the hell are you?" Paul snapped and glared at her.
"What? You don't know who I-!" she began, but faltered and thought, "Ah, crap, that's right! I'm supposed to keep the stupid truth…" Ash and Brock looked suspiciously at her while Dawn fidgeted uneasily in her spot. "…I-I mean, I'm Paxie!"
"Hmph. Paxie?" he said. "Who would want to name their kid that?"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" she yelled at him. Now both Brock and Ash had to help hold her back. "Let me go! Grrrr! Your face has an appointment with my fist!"
"Oh. Hold on," Paul said, out of nowhere. He reached into his pocket and got out a red scarf. Everyone froze. He looked at Dawn. "Here, uh…"
Dawn tapped her foot and waited impatiently for him to say her name. When he didn't, she reminded him, "It's Dawn. Dawn!"
He smirked. "Ok, Troublesome. Take it. It is yours, right?" She blushed furiously. "Y-Yes…thank you…"
At that moment, her fingers brushed against his as she took back her scarf. Involuntarily, they both gasped and gazed at each other when they felt something spark between them, in that touch. Neither knew what it was, but the emotion that suddenly ran through them felt…thrilling.
"Er…you guys…?" Paxie awkwardly spoke up, waving a hand in front of their faces. The two were instantly brought back to reality. Paul quickly turned away to recompose himself while Dawn was left flustered with her thoughts.
"Oh, my!" she thought, feeling her cheeks grow warmer. "What just happened? It feels like my heart had just skipped a beat! I can barely breathe!"
"What the hell?" Paul thought crossly. "One second, I'm giving the stupid girl back her scarf, and the next, I feel…"
He didn't know how to finish his sentence.
"Hey, everything ok?" Paxie whispered to Dawn. Dawn was still in a daze.
"I…I'm not quite…sure…"
The situation was quickly diverted when Ash asked Paul the question that was on Brock's mind. "Hey! Where did you get Dawn's scarf?"
"…Found it," answered Paul flatly with a glare, returning back to his usual cold attitude.
"Yeah, but where-?"
"Look, I didn't come here to be interrogated," Paul disputed. "I came here to get my pokemon and that's it. I'm out of here."
He was making his way towards the door. Paxie was thinking frantically.
"Ok, obviously, something's up between Paul and Dawn," she thought. "But neither are realizing or acknowledging their feelings for each other, even when destiny keeps throwing them together! I mean, that's got to be a sign, right? But their relationship won't go very far if they just bump into each other, spend some time, and separate for God knows how long! What should I do…?"
"Wait a minute!" Paxie tried to stop him. "We're all going the same way. How about we…travel together?"
"W-What!" Dawn, Ash, and Brock shouted in astonishment.
"Sorry. I travel alone," he responded distantly without hesitation nor stopping. He was almost out the door.
"Umm…then…" Paxie stammered, trying to buy time to think fast as she bit her bottom lip. "Then, I-I'll…I'll challenge you to a battle!"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Paul stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder curiously. The others were gawking, giving her that what-did-she-just-say look. "Come again?"
"I said that I'll challenge you to a battle!" Paxie repeated herself. "If you lose, you have to travel with us. If I lose, you'll be free to travel like the wolf loner you are."
She smiled smugly when she saw Paul's bangs hang over his eyes and a small red vein throbbing on the side of his head.
"Wolf loner?" he repeated the insult in his head. He clenched his fists.
"Hold on a second, Paxie!" Ash spoke up, stepping forward. "I was the one who wanted to battle-!"
Brock blocked him with his arm and Ash just looked up at his friend in confusion. "Wait, Ash. This actually sounds…interesting."
Dawn was just speechless. "Onee-chan," she thought. "What are you doing…?"
"Nice try," replied Paul. "But I'm not going to fight in some damn battle with an amateur." He smirked. Now it was Paxie's turn to feel provoked. She laughed harshly.
"Well, if I'm such an 'amateur,' then what do you have left to lose? Or are you just too afraid to lose to a girl?"
The last word was like a blade aiming threateningly at Paul's neck. At that point, everyone just tensed up, waiting for his reaction that was sure to be of anger. He marched right up to her and defended himself with his own sword.
"You're on," he accepted. She smirked.
"Bring it."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
All was well and sound, when out of nowhere, a knock came upon his door. He walked to the door and opened it.
"Yes?" answered Professor Rowan. He looked down, only to see a group of familiar faces, except one. "Ah, Dawn. So nice to see you again. Oh, and you too, Ash and Brock. Hello, again, young man…Paul, was it?"
"Yeah," Paul said. Professor Rowan nodded once. "And who might this young lady be?"
"This is Paxie, my childhood friend, sir," Dawn explained politely. Paxie waved.
"Hi there!" she greeted. "It's an honor to meet you, sir! Dawn has told me about you in my letters. Um, not to be of any inconvenience or anything, but do you mind if we can borrow your field?"
Professor Rowan raised an eyebrow. "What for?"
"Well, to put it simply…" she said with a smile, and then pointed at Paul, "I'm going to kick that guy's butt!"
Dawn smacked her forehead while Brock and Ash were starting to realize that Paxie was full of surprises. Paul's eye twitched and he glared severely at her. The white-haired professor just blinked twice. "I beg your pardon?"
Dawn quickly covered Paxie's mouth and nervously smiled. "What she means is: Can we borrow the field so that she and Paul can have a battle?"
"Oh, why didn't you say so?" Professor Rowan approved. "Of course. Be my guest."
"Sweet! Thank you, sir!" Paxie appreciated once her mouth was free to speak. The professor heartily grinned.
"You're welcome."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"Paxie, do you even know how to battle?" Dawn questioned her.
They were over on the opposite side of the grassy field, separate from Ash, Paul, and Brock. Paxie was preparing herself and Elanor while Dawn sat and talked to her.
"Yeah," she answered. "I battled those Starlys and Staravias with Elanor before. I told you that, right?"
"But those were wild pokemon," Dawn pointed out. "You're battling against a trainer now, and that trainer happens to be a really good one."
"So?"
"Paul and Ash had their first match right here, and it ended in a tie."
Paxie's eyes went wide. "Really?"
"Really."
She tapped her chin. "Well…doesn't that mean that Paul is even more worthy to challenge?"
"But…Paxie! Have you ever battled a trainer before?"
"Nope!"
Dawn sweat dropped while Elanor sighed. "See? You're not even experienced!"
"There's a first time for everything," Paxie said nonchalantly with a shrug.
"Onee-chan, please!" Dawn begged, standing up. "You don't have to do this for my sake."
Paxie's expression swapped from relaxed, to disbelief, and then to seriousness. "Imouto, I'm not doing this because I have to. I'm doing this because I want to."
The bluette stared at her friend incredulously. Paxie continued.
"This is a way of repaying you for being such a great friend to me back then, even when others weren't. I want you to have what I couldn't four years ago, and that's happiness in your first love."
"Onee-chan…" Dawn whispered, her crystal eyes now filling with tears. Paxie smiled serenely.
"Hey! Are you done, over there?" Paul called from the other end of the field.
"Yeah, just give us several more minutes!" Paxie called back. She faced Dawn again. "I just want you to know that I'll be there when you need me. All I want you to do is believe in me in return. Can you do that?"
She was rendered speechless, so she just nodded. Then, she surprised Paxie by hugging her. "Thank you…I always knew you had a kind heart…"
Paxie only hesitated a second before hugging her back. She tried hard not to cry. "Me too…"
After a few moments, they pulled away and both girls giggled, feeling silly as they wiped away their tears.
"Ok!" Paxie said. "You better go. Tell Paul to give me two more minutes. I want to talk to Elanor and Leo before we battle."
"Sure thing!" Dawn agreed and waved with a smile. "Good luck!"
"Thanks!" Paxie shouted, waving back. To herself, she said, "We'll need all the luck we can get…"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"Alright, Leo! Come on out!" Paxie ordered as she threw his poke ball.
In a red flash, the Luxio appeared. He seemed confused and searched around him. "Luxio? (Where am I?)" he said.
"Hey, Leo," Paxie greeted him as she bent down. "We're outside Professor Rowan's lab right now. Professor Rowan is a nice man that had let us borrow his field so that we can battle Paul. You know, the purple-haired guy over there?" She pointed to him. Leo nodded in understanding. "This battle is really important to me, so I would be grateful if you and Elanor will try your best, ok?"
"(No problem)," he replied casually. "(I have nothing better to do.)"
Paxie smiled. "How about you, Elanor? You ready for some action?"
The Espeon grinned. "(I'm always up for action, milady.)"
"Sweet! Then let's get out there!" Paxie shouted, punching her fist in the air. Leo and Elanor rooted with her.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
A slight breeze blew all around them. It gently blew Paxie's raven bangs, which blended into hot pink at the ends, away from her lavender eyes that sparkled in excitement. Her side ponytail and yellow hood softly flapped in the wind. She kept clenching and unclenching her fists tensely as a cold bead of sweat dripped down the side of her cheek. She felt her stomach go queasy and gulped. It's hard not to be nervous about your first battle, especially when you know that this might be a big impact on your best friend's love life. Yep, there's no pressure at all. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
Elanor looked up at her master in concern. She knew how she felt. She was just as nervous to please her in battle. The Espeon's eyes hardened in determination. She promised herself to give it her all, once it becomes her turn to fight.
On the opposite end of the field, Paul was staring at Paxie. His dark violet hair moved with the wind, along with the collar of his dark blue jacket. He had his hands in his pockets and had an intimidating expression on his face like always. On his right, Dawn and Ash were standing behind Brock. Dawn held Piplup in her arms and Pikachu was propped on top of Ash's right shoulder. They all gazed on at the two opponents, ready to watch a significant battle.
"I'll be the referee," Brock announced. "This will be a three-on-three battle with no substitutions. Each trainer will be able to use three pokemon. The victory will go towards the first trainer who reaches two wins. Got it?"
Paul and Paxie nodded their heads, understanding the rules. "Good. On my mark…"
"Prepare yourself, because I don't count on losing," Paul shouted to Paxie. She smirked.
"Then I guess that makes two of us."
"Get set…"
"Man, this is great!" Ash exclaimed. "I would have liked to battle Paul myself, but seeing him face off against a girl is getting me pumped! Who do you think will win, Dawn?"
The bluette only smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, really!" Then, she thought secretly, "Paxie, do your best! I believe in you."
"Battle!"
"Elekid! Stand by!" Paul commanded.
"Ok, Leo! Let's rock!" Paxie yelled out.
Both Elekid and the Luxio appeared on the battlefield. Leo was down on all fours and looked ready to lunge as he exchanged glares with Elekid.
"Well, this didn't start off good."
Dawn and Ash looked up to see Professor Rowan again.
"Professor! Did you come out here to see them fight?" Dawn asked him.
"Yes, and it seems that this type matchup won't do," he answered. "Electric-type attacks obviously won't be as effective on either opponent. I wonder what your friend Paxie might be up to?"
"Elekid! Use Thunderpunch!" Paul ordered it. Elekid's fist began to glow a golden hue and rushed towards the Luxio.
"Leo! Dodge and use Bite!" Paxie shouted. The Luxio dodged the attack quickly and bit Elekid's arm. Elekid cried out in pain, feeling Leo's teeth sink in, and tried to shake him off.
"Get him off by using Thunder!" Paul commanded. Elekid obeyed and charged up a lot of electricity to send out a powerful Thunder attack, which shocked Leo's whole body. However, Leo absorbed the attack and sank his teeth in more.
"Hold on, Leo!" Paxie shrieked to him. Elanor gazed at the Luxio in concern.
"C'mon! Use Thunderpunch again!" Paul commanded fiercely. The Elekid punched Leo square in the face and he finally let go. Leo skidded back a few feet before finally stopping. He still stood firm and had his head held high. Elekid was panting a little while one hand was gripping the other arm, the spot where the bite marks were still visible.
"Our turn! Use Charge!" Paxie ordered. Leo began storing electricity inside of him.
"Use Thunder!" Paul hastily insisted, but Elekid cringed and didn't move. Paul gritted his teeth. "I told you to use Thunder!"
"Too slow! Now use Spark!" Paxie pursued. Leo dashed towards Elekid and gave him a dose of his super awesome bright attack. Everyone had to close their eyes and look away from the dazzling light. Elekid was knocked off his feet and was sent flying before tumbling and at last, landing on its back. Luxio wiped away some dirt on the corner of its mouth as he cockily grinned. Elanor stared at him in surprise and admiration. Professor Rowan looked especially impressed.
"Hmm…I think that's a Special Ability called Rivalry," he explained. "Rivalry increases Leo's attacks by twenty-five percent, meaning more damage is brought to its target."
"Woah, really?" Dawn said, sounding intrigued. The professor nodded.
"Fortunately, that Special Ability is a great advantage in this situation since Leo and Elekid are the same gender. If Elekid was the opposite gender to Leo, then Rivalry would have the opposite effect."
"You mean if Elekid was a girl, then Leo would go easy on him, I mean, her?" Ash said so bluntly.
Dawn, Piplup, and Pikachu sweat dropped as Professor Rowan gave a hearty laugh. "Precisely."
"Alright! Finish it off with a Maximum Spark!" Paxie shrieked. Leo prepared himself to give it all he's got.
"Protect!" Paul demanded. Hurriedly, the worn-out Elekid got on his feet and put up a green shiny shield around him in order to defend himself.
"Oh no you don't! Use Roar!" Paxie persisted. Leo gave up on the Spark attack and closed its eyes. When he reopened them, he had sucked in a big gulp of air and released a powerful roar that shook the battlefield. It was so ear-splitting and deafening that everybody had to cover their ears. Elekid trembled and watched with wide eyes as its shield started to crack. It began with one line, which eventually branched out and met up with other lines until the entire green shield shattered. Paul was awestruck. No one had ever penetrated his Elekid's protective shield before. He didn't even think it was possible.
"Now! Maximum Spark!" Paxie screamed over the roar. The roar was swiftly silenced and Leo charged at Elekid, who was now completely vulnerable.
"D-Dodge it!" Paul called out, almost desperately, but it was too late. Leo got too close to Elekid, and in one giant blinding golden blast, the electric pokemon was knocked unconscious. It was lying on the ground helplessly and his eyes went all swirly.
"Elekid is unable to battle!" Brock declared. "The win goes to Leo!"
Paxie, Ash, Dawn, and their pokemon all cheered for him.
"Way to go!" Paxie said.
"That was awesome!" Ash said.
"You were great, Leo!" Dawn said.
Piplup and Pikachu gave him a thumbs up. Elanor was gaping at him.
"Incredible…" she thought. "So much…power…"
Leo looked back to glance at her and wink with a smirk. She blushed slightly and stubbornly stuck her nose in the air, turning her head away.
Paul returned Elekid into his poke ball and grimaced. "You'll regret the next time you fail me," he told it harshly as he placed it away. He looked up to face Paxie. "It seems I've underestimated you. That's a mistake I won't repeat again."
With this, the cheerful mood went heavy and tense. Paxie glared at Paul, sweat evident on her forehead.
"Ursaring! Stand by!" Paul ordered. A giant brown bear with a yellow ring on its belly growled as it appeared. Poor Leo had to look up to him in order to see his face. Leo sweat dropped.
"What a big guy…" he thought.
"Alright!" Paxie shouted. "Leo, use-!"
"Ursaring, use Fury Swipes!" Paul called out to him. Ursaring ran towards Leo and started to swipe away at his face. Leo was pushed back with each hit, yelping in pain.
"Hey! You didn't give me a chance!" Paxie yelled at Paul. He smirked.
"Your point?"
A big red vein began to throb on her head. "That's it! C'mon, Leo! Counter with Spark!"
The Luxio obeyed and with the next close contact, Leo shot Ursaring with the brilliant attack. The Ursaring cried out as it felt its body being electrocuted.
"Focus Blast!" Paul commanded. Ursaring put aside its pain and concentrated on building its attack. Both Leo and Elanor widened their eyes in fear as they thought, "No…!"
"Dodge, Leo!" Paxie insisted frantically, but the Luxio couldn't. He stood rooted to his spot, waiting for the impact that has yet to come. Elanor bared her teeth, and shouted, "(You, idiot! Move!)"
By the time Leo gained some feeling and turned around to see Elanor, the brutal attack was released on him and he was soaring through the air. Paxie watched hopelessly as he tumbled and rolled, finally skidding to a halt in front of her. His tongue hanged out of his mouth and his eyes were in a spiral.
"Leo is unable to battle! Victory goes to Ursaring!" Brock proclaimed. The Ursaring beated its chest ferociously and Paul just smirked. Paxie got on her knees and gazed tenderly at her Luxio and smiled calmly. "You definitely deserve a rest. Thank you for your help."
With one eye open, Leo gave a cocky grin, despite all his injuries. "(No problem. Glad I could help.)" To Elanor, he grinned wider. "(Go get 'im, darling.)"
The Espeon's eyes softened as she watched him return inside his poke ball. "Leo…"
"C'mon, Elanor!" Paxie told her as she got up. "Let's show them how it's done!"
Elanor nodded and ran onto the battlefield confidently. Ursaring looked at her and chuckled deeply. She glared at him. "(What's so funny?)"
"(You? You're going to fight me? You're just a girl!)" he ridiculed and chuckled again. Elanor death glared.
"(We'll see who'll have the last laugh…)"
"Ursaring! Use Fury Swipes again!" Paul ordered. Ursaring smirked and grew its claws, ready to slice her.
"Quick! Dodge and use Psychic!" Paxie shouted. Espeon quickly dodged the first swipe at her and attacked. Ursaring looked as if his form turned transparent and was wavering. He growled at the pain inflicted on him and stumbled back a bit.
"Now! Use Future Sight!"
Elanor's red orb on her forehead began to glow a bright shine. She focused her power onto Ursaring and after a few moments, saw a vision of the Ursaring using a Hyper Beam attack. She swallowed as cold sweat rolled down her cheek. "(Oh, no…)"
"Use Focus Blast, Ursaring!"
After shaking his head, the Ursaring concentrated his efforts on his attack like before and released it on Elanor. The Espeon's pupils shrank.
"Elanor, no!" Paxie cried, but she couldn't do anything. In only a few seconds, the Espeon was airborne, tucked, and rolled. Clouds of dirt covered the area. Everyone was coughing and trying to wave away the clouds.
"What happened? Did Paul win?" Ash questioned through his coughs.
"I don't know. It's hard to tell…" Brock answered before giving a nasty cough. Dawn felt worried.
"How could this be? Did Paxie really lose?" she thought. Then, realizing her doubt, she turned them around. "No! I have to believe…I have to trust her."
Several minutes past before the clouds began to lift. Everyone was squinting, trying to see through them. Just then, a dark figure of Espeon's body was lying still behind a dirt cloud. Dawn and Paxie could feel their hearts sink, along with their hopes. Paul smirked victoriously. "Hmph. It's over. Looks like I win another battle. Figures." Dawn, for some reason, was close to tears while Paxie glared at him in hatred.
"Wait! Look!" Brock pointed out.
Everyone turned heads and gasped. The cloud of dirt cleared and Elanor was struggling to get back up. With a great effort, she pushed herself off the grassy floor, and finally stood strongly on all fours. Scratches, bruises, and wounds were evident, but she hadn't fainted yet. Paxie smiled wholeheartedly at her.
"Sweet! That's the spirit, Elanor!" she rooted. "And now…" She looked up at the sky and saw that a huge cloud had at last passed by the sun. She smiled wider. "Use Morning Sun!"
The Espeon tilted her head back and closed her eyes. White glitter began to surround her and her injuries were beginning to heal. Dawn stared at Elanor in amazement. "Wow! What a wonderful move!"
Paul tightened his fists in anger. "C'mon, Ursaring! Take her out for good with Hyper Beam!" The Ursaring snapped out of his gawking and tried to focus all his energy on his move, but the thing was…he couldn't move.
"Ursaring is paralyzed!" Brock realized. "It must have been from Leo's last Spark attack."
Hearing this, Elanor smiled, quietly thanking Leo for his aid. Her healing was complete and now she felt entirely refreshed.
"Okay! Last Resort, Elanor!" Paxie shrieked. The Espeon gladly obeyed and rushed towards Ursaring.
"Hyper Beam, Ursaring! NOW!" Paul demanded. The Ursaring hastily broke out of his paralyzed state and cocked back its head. A brilliant orb began to form in its mouth. Elanor was drawing closer, picking up more speed and momentum with each step while Ursaring's orb was increasing in size.
"Go, Elanor!"
"Do it!" Paul commanded.
Ursaring finally took aim at Elanor and shot the beam at her. The attacks collided, creating an ear-piercing boom. A blast of wind picked up and blew wildly in every direction. Everybody had their arms brought up in front of them in defense and cringed as they tried to cover themselves. Just as fast as it happened, the wind dropped. They all looked up in wonder and were stunned. Both Ursaring and Elanor had fainted at the same time. Paul was speechless. So was Paxie.
"Both pokemon are unable to battle. The result is a tie!" Brock announced.
"Wow! That was intense!" Ash exclaimed.
"And close," Dawn said. "Almost too close…"
"Indeed. Both trainers seem to be a match for each other in power and strength. It's truly remarkable."
Paul returned Ursaring to its poke ball while Paxie walked over to her Espeon and bent down. When she saw how battered she was, she gazed at her sympathetically. "Oh, Elanor…" She picked her up and hugged her. "Thank you so much…"
Elanor smiled weakly. "Espe…on… (Don't worry…milady…)"
Paxie walked back to where she was standing and gently placed Elanor on the floor. "Take it easy, ok?" Afterwards, she faced Paul and glared hard.
"Now it's down to the final round," Brock announced. "The trainer who wins this round will be the victor!"
"You're going down," Paul threatened Paxie. "This battle is as good as mine. Chimchar! Stand by!" He threw a poke ball and a Fire-type monkey appeared on the battlefield.
"Not if I can help it!" Paxie countered as she reached into her tote bag and pulled out her last poke ball. She took a moment to pause and stare, gripping the poke ball tightly. "I'm counting on you…"
"Hey, isn't that the poke ball Paxie's dad gave her?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah!" Ash replied. "I wonder what pokemon is it?"
"Alright, Marissa! Rock and roll!" Paxie shouted. In a zap of red light, a big blue plesiosaur-like pokemon appeared. It had four flippers and a dark heavy shell on its back. Its front flippers were particularly larger than its hind ones while its shell was dotted with big blunt knobs. It also had a short white horn in the middle of its forehead and curled ears. The pokemon craned its long neck and stared at Paul with its deep obsidian eyes. Everybody was taken aback.
"What is that?" Dawn asked as she took out her pink Pokedex.
"Lapras," the Pokedex informed. "The Transport Pokemon. It loves crossing the sea with people and pokemon on its back."
"Woah! I haven't seen a Lapras in a long time," Ash thought. "The last time I saw one was back in Orange Islands…"
"It seems to me that Paxie might have the upper-hand in this type matchup," Professor Rowan said. "However, according to my knowledge, Lapras is usually a peaceful pokemon rarely used in battles. So, unless Paxie has been training it, it could be anyone's game."
Dawn pondered on this. "Paxie told me that this is her first battle, so it isn't likely that she did train her Marissa. Oh, Onee-chan, please…" She gazed at her friend. "Do your best."
"Chimchar! Use Flame Wheel!" Paul commanded first. Chimchar tucked and rolled towards Lapras while having himself engulfed in fire.
"Marissa! Use Protect!" Paxie ordered. The Lapras hurriedly formed a huge green shield that protected her. Chimchar's attack proved useless and he bounced off of the shield.
"Now use Brine!"
Marissa opened her mouth wide open and heavy drops of rain were about to shower on Chimchar.
"Dodge by using Dig!"
Chimchar dug a tunnel underground and Marissa's attack missed. Paxie grew worried. "Stay calm and try to sense him!"
Marissa searched around her, but she didn't seem to be able to feel Chimchar coming.
"Attack and use Ember!"
Chimchar suddenly popped out and shot flames in Marissa's face. She cried out in pain, feeling the flames burn her blue skin.
"Get 'im, Marissa!"
The Lapras tried to use Brine again, but Chimchar was too fast and hid underground. He repeatedly popped out of another hole and used Ember for about several turns.
"Grrr! How am I supposed to counter that?" Paxie thought feverishly as she glared at the mass of holes. All of a sudden, a light bulb lit up in her mind. "Marissa! Use Brine and aim it inside a hole!"
Marissa obeyed and sent out a shower of heavy rain in a hole. Chimchar jumped out of another hole and was yelping at the pain inflicted on him. Paxie saw how both pokemon had taken heavy damages. Sweat dripped down her cheeks as a voice echoed in her head.
"Only use that move when it's an emergency," a familiar feminine voice said. "Use it when the time is right."
"But I can't use substitutions this time," Paxie told the voice. She tightened her fists. "I'm…sorry…"
"Marissa! Perish Song!"
Reluctantly, the Lapras inhaled a big breath of air and sung. A mournful song played out while distorted music notes were released. They danced around Marissa and Chimchar in a circle. Everyone had to cover their ears again since it sounded high-pitched and screechy, as if someone had just slowly clawed a chalkboard. After some time, the music notes and the song dropped dead.
"What did that move do?" Dawn questioned.
"Perish Song is a risky move that affects all pokemon on the field. At the end of three turns, those who were affected will be knocked out," Professor Rowan explained.
Dawn and Ash gasped. "What? So Paxie has to beat Paul in three turns?" Ash shouted in shock. The professor nodded. Ash gritted his teeth.
"C'mon, Paxie! You can do it!" Ash cheered her on. Paul glared at him in disdain.
"No! Finish her off with another Flame Wheel!"
Chimchar speedily rolled again, creating flames as he got faster.
"Use Protect!"
Marissa formed the same green shield again and Chimchar bounced back, falling in a hole. Paxie was quick on her feet.
"Now! Maximum Brine in that hole!"
It was almost like seeing a flood of water getting poured into the hole before finally gushing out in all those holes in one humongous burst. One blast of water pushed Chimchar straight up into the air. An idea crossed Paul's mind.
"Chimchar! Take advantage and attack head-on with an all-out Flame Wheel!"
He obeyed and dived directly down, rolling as he went and creating a huge flame that wavered in the glare. Marissa stared up fearfully and quivered at the sight.
"Marissa, use Protect!"
But the Lapras was frozen in fear. She never experienced such intense battling before, nor seen such fiery passion in an enemy's eyes. She wanted to run. She wanted to obey her master, but this opponent of hers was speedier than her. There wouldn't be enough time. She closed her eyes shut, feeling early defeat. Paul smirked at this cowardly reaction.
"No!" Paxie thought stubbornly. "It won't end like this!" She screamed.
"I believe in you Marissa!"
Just then, it was like something had awakened in the peaceful Lapras's heart. Marissa felt a pulsation within and opened her eyes, narrowing them at Chimchar. At that moment, involuntarily, she let out a very loud battle cry that rang throughout the area. Paul, Dawn, Ash, Brock, Professor Rowan, Paxie, and their pokemon were all amazed and confused as a bitter cold mist had concealed the battlefield, along with Chimchar and Lapras.
"That's the move Sheer Cold!" Professor Rowan exclaimed.
Even after a good five minutes, the frosty mist still lingered. All of a sudden, a loud thud was heard and the mist dispersed, clearing the field. Everybody looked in anticipation. Paxie gasped.
"Marissa…you…!" she breathed.
The Lapras was still standing, tall and firm. She smiled and sighed before gazing compassionately at the Chimchar who had fainted.
"Chimchar is unable to battle! Marissa is the winner!" Brock declared.
Paul dropped to his knees and stared. "I…lost?"
"You did it, Marissa!" Paxie cheered and ran up to her to hug her neck. "I knew you could do it! I just knew it!"
The Lapras smiled wider, feeling absolutely content that she had pleased her master. Elanor saw this from afar and smiled too.
"Yeah! Way to go!" Ash exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air. Piplup threw his arms in the air and rooted with Pikachu. Dawn was blinking hard and rubbed her eyes, as if considering this to be a dream. She felt a hand lay on her shoulder. She looked up. "Professor Rowan?"
"I have to say, that was quite an entertaining battle," he complimented. "I'm happy that I witnessed it. You're friend Paxie is a marvelous trainer. Not only did she put her mind into the battle, but she also put her heart in it as well. Do you realize that?"
Dawn nodded and smiled warmly. "Yeah…" She gazed back at Paxie who was now tending to a fainted Lapras. "After all, she is my Onee-chan."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
After a quick trip to the Pokemon Center, the gang arrived back at Professor Rowan's lab to thank him.
"I had a lot of fun!" Paxie told him. "Thanks for letting us borrow the field."
The white-haired professor grinned. "It was no trouble at all. Come back to visit anytime."
They waved good-bye to him and set off in the direction of Jubilife City. Elanor, Piplup, and Pikachu were leading the group while Brock, Ash, Paxie, and Dawn walked behind them. Paul hanged back from the gang, hands in his pockets and obviously moping about his defeat. Dawn was the only one who noticed this. She left Paxie's side and walked over to Paul. "Hey, c'mon! There's no use in sulking."
Paul glared at her. "Why do you care? Just leave me alone." He waited for her to leave, but she didn't budge. Actually, she stopped in her tracks. He stopped too, looking back at her. "What?"
"You know, you say cold things to people, Paul," she said. "You push people away at the times you need them most, like when you need comfort when you're in pain." She boldly took his hand in hers and gazed into his dark eyes. Paul was surprised by this move and slightly blushed. "You don't always have to deal with things by yourself. You have friends now. Okay?" She smiled kindheartedly.
"Friends…huh?" he thought, trying out the word. It sounded strange and foreign to him. It was a word he never used and never thought of using.
"Yo! Stop lagging behind!" Paxie called to Dawn and Paul. "You better keep up, or else we're leaving you!"
"Alright!" Dawn called back. "C'mon, Paul! Let's go!"
And so, Dawn dragged him over to the others who were waiting and waving in the distance. The sun was setting in the sky. Colors like gold, orange, pink, and lavender all blended harmoniously together. Paul looked at the group and then at Dawn. They all looked so happy. Secretly, a tiny grin replaced his old smirk.
"Maybe…just maybe," he thought. "Losing that battle wasn't such a bad thing after all…"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Me: Ok, yeah, I admit the beginning was a little sketchy and unorganized, but I hope I wrapped the story up neatly. Was it fun to read? I hope so! I went through a lot of researching in order to create this story so you people better be happy! XP Anyways, adieu! *turns to face gloomy Paul* Hey, c'mon! It wasn't that bad…
Paul: *muttering* Damn virtual people…booing at me…
Dawn: *smiles at him* No need to worry! Just try harder next time! You'll get it!
Paul: *stares at her and looks away, bangs hiding his blush* Yeah…
Me: Awww! So Kawaii! X3
Paul: SHUT UP!