Chapter 7: Weakness Therapy – Part 2

So far, this therapy session was really going well for Machete. As we met the Ground-Type expert, Richter Scaléon, we already knew right then that this part of the Weakness Therapy was due to be the most enduring for the Dartrog. To make it even better, we not only caught a Shiny Sandshrew prior to our arrival, but Machete immediately befriended an Eevee that belonged to Richter. Fortunately, he proposed a deal that the Poison Dart Pokémon couldn't refuse:

Pass this therapy session with an A plus grade and he could keep the adorable Evolution Pokémon as his own personal companion, unlike Hyro the Sandshrew.

For now, however, we had to discuss the perfect therapy plan through a hearty, but healthy lunch… even after Meadow nearly discovered my adoration towards her. I didn't quite confess it to her yet back at the entrance to the Ground-Type farmer's humble abode.

"Okey dokey, now." Richter started as he just served the last of his plates towards Machete and Eevee for them to share. It was the usual serving of those famous PokéPuffs. "You eat up a good meal, first of all, Machete. You'll need it if you wanna pass my test of epic proportions." Without saying a single groak, the Poison Dart didn't waste a moment diving right in with a hand while Eevee just picked up one out of the small pile and munched away in such an adorable manner. It made all of us smile as we had our plates of turkey legs with chicken broth, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and a steaming serving of various vegetables. As soon as the farmer sat at his seat at the left end of the long table, he continued the meeting. "Secondly, Yvelton, how has the Weakness Therapy been back wit them Sandshrew?"

"He actually did pretty well." I replied as we all started eating simultaneously. "He endured so many various Ground-Type attacks, but they were the small ones with lots of damage. It was painful to him, but he managed to counter-attack with a Sludge Bomb that missed them, but they were proud of the attack."

"Heh, heh, heh, heh! Poison ain't really effective against Ground-Types, anyway. Dey would've been a'ight either way, but it's good ta hear dat Machete's already gettin' a sneak peek of what's ta come from my collection of many Ground dwellin' Pokémon. Speakin' of, what level is dis Poison Dart giant?"

"You won't believe me, if I told you." I blushed upon saying that statement, which made Meloetta and Meadow giggle while Ash just wore an appreciative smile. "Believe me…"

"Awww, don't fret ova it. C'mon, son. Tell me."

"He's at level 28. Those battles on the ferry were tough."

"…what?! Leva 28?! He's a beginna and he's already got enough powa ta take down Groudon?!"

"Yeah, pretty much. You… don't have that Pokémon, do you?"

"Ohhhhh, no. Dat's my ultimate goal, tho. I hear it can go into Primal Reversion, which is kinda like Mega Evolution, but stronga."

"Hmmm…" I'm learning something new every day. I have heard of the Legendary Pokémon, Groudon, who is ruler of all the land and Kyogre is his rival, who is ruler of the seas. I never knew they could undergo such a transformation. "…Primal Reversion, huh?"

"Yep-yep! When Groudon is in dat stage, he's practically unstoppable… except by Primal Kyogre and his Origin Pulse. Dey fought through a harsh battle that nearly destroyed da world, but fortunately, Mega Rayquaza was able to stop it before it happened. Right now, Groudon is sleepin' in an unknown area… and only da powa of da Red Orb can reawaken him." Oh, wow. What a fascinating story. He sure is a Ground-Type expert, since he knows so much about this legend. That information was permanently stored in my reference database of my mind. "Anyway, enough 'bout Groudon. Let's focus back on Machete. Since he's been officially revived into a new Pokémon, thanks ta Eevee, dis session won't be so difficult. I'll assemble my strongest Ground-Type Pokémon and Ground learnin' Pokémon and he'll have an all-out battle wit dem all in, what I like ta call, Survival Battles. It's a new thang I came up wit."

"Sounds interesting. What are they exactly?"

"Dey are what da name says. He'll go through a series of battles with my Pokémon until he wins dem all or until he's down n' out, whicheva comes first. Da more Pokémon he defeats, da higha da chances of proving dat he can withstand every Ground-Type offensive known ta man… and uh… back ta Groudon, he has the ultimate Ground-Type move… and it ain't Earthquake." Uh, oh… "Wanna know what it is?"

"Yes!" Meadow, Meloetta, and Ash joined in with me with that same word simultaneously. Machete even made a single groak in agreement as he too was highly anticipating the name of this ultimate Ground-Type move.

"Alrighty den. Bear wit me on dis: Da move is called Precipice Blades. He shoots out sharp stalagmites from beneath the ground, severely piercing every Pokémon dat gets in his way. Those goddamn flyin' types and any Pokémon with da Levitate ability are some lucky sons of bitches!"

"Mm! I already feel sorry for Jirachi, too." Meadow randomly quoted with both humor and concern.

"If Machete encounters that move, there's no telling what he'll do." I professionally stated. I looked over at him for his reaction and he showed a regal glare of utmost determination within his blank purple eyes. Eevee showed the exact same thing and I nodded with no worries. "Then again, I could be wrong. I may be a genius, but I'm not perfect."

"Ya durn tootin'! Whoo-hoo! Dayum, he looks ready! Dese Survival Battles will be a piece of cake fo' him. I ain't no doubt 'bout it!" Richter agreed with a million dollar smile. "Ya ready ta impress me, yo' friends, Yvelton, and Diancie?"

Born that way. Machete replied in a tone that would, once again, make the Diamond Domain Princess shiver with sensual ecstasy. Tell your Pokémon not to hold back! I'm ready!

"Dat's my boy! We start in fifteen, ya'll. Be ready fo' anythang." We sure were at the very moment he said the final syllable of that last word as we resumed our hearty meals. Not interfering with the battles was due to be easier done than said… and you don't hear that expression too often.

Within those silent fifteen minute remainder of the meal, we all headed into Richter's secret underground battle arena that was hidden beneath the wooden floor of his humble home. It looked just like we were in a Pokémon Gym and it was roomy for a battle in any capacity. Machete didn't waste a moment handing Eevee over to me and I didn't hesitate to take him and hold him securely before we all headed for the bleachers. Of course, I sat down between Ash and Meadow. Meloetta took her seat on Ash's opposite left side with elegance, but that still didn't lure me away from Meadow. I'm… hoping that she doesn't ask me about me being enamored with her again. I don't want my focus on this due-to-be-intense battle to be ruined.

As for Machete, he finally took his position on the left end of the arena and was ready to take practically every Ground-Type move known to man… except Precipice Blades, of course. I just know that, even though he's never seen the move… and neither have I… we'll both be prepared for it. I do know one thing's for sure: I'm praying that the PokéDestructors didn't beat us to Groudon and the Red Orb. As soon as the Poison Dart took his signature position 'sitting' on his hind legs, Richter took his position on the other side of the arena, sitting all alone on the other set of bleachers before he verbally started the battle.

"Alrighty, then!" He started with loads of excitement. "Da, hopefully, final test of Machete's Weakness Therapy is 'bout ta begin! Dese will be Survival Battles. Here's da rules: Machete, you will face as many of my Ground-Type Pokémon as you possibly can 'til ya can't battle no mo'. Da mo' ya beat, da betta ya can keep my Eevee! Are ya ready?!" The Poison Dart Pokémon just nodded once in response. "Excellent! How's 'bout I start ya off easy? Bunnelby, come on out, buddy boy!" An adorable level 17 male Bunnelby came out at that last word and it was already bouncing with anticipation. Machete never backed down. "Alrighty, Bunnelby! Show 'im what'cha got. You're all on yo' own! Good luck, Machete!" After that was finalized, the Digging Pokémon made good on his namesake and started out with the move that kinda assisted in kindling the romance between Machete and Diancie back on the ferry: Dig. This time, the Poison Dart was completely focused on where Bunnelby would most likely emerge. After a good silent five minutes, Machete appeared to have felt the arrival coming and made a professional and graceful leap into the air, performing a backflip as he did so and Bunnelby shot out of the ground with an expectant look in his brown eyes as he used his ears to summon a Mud Shot at the exact same time Machete readied his massive hands to a Sludge Bomb. They fired simultaneously and it caused an explosion that only pushed them back and allowed them to land on their feet as if they were never phased by it at all! The ladies in our audience applauded at that impressive performance while Ash, Eevee, Pikachu, and I just nodded with satisfied smiles. Even Richter was impressed as it was quiet again for a moment.

"Well! I am surprised dat youse could dodge my Bunnelby's Dig and counter his Mud Shot. He's neva had Dig dodged befo'!" He started. "How'd ya know where he was at?!"

I felt him beneath my feet. Machete replied with no regrets and a smile. I've encountered a Sandslash with the same move and it was severely painful. I've outsmarted two moves so far and I'm just getting started.

"…hm! He's soundin' a wee bit cocky. I guess Bunnelby was too easy of a challenge fo' youse. Bunnelby, return!" He did so in a huff and Machete was ready for a more complex challenge. "I've got somethin' betta! Excadrill, come on out!" It was an interesting looking Pokémon, too. At only 2 feet and four inches, those metal claws appeared bigger than I once thought. Having this one being a Ground and Steel-Type was practically even towards Machete, but he saw that ground typing within his brown and red coloring along with the silver metal and he wasn't letting his guard down as he got in to his ready position on all fours. The Subterrene Pokémon before him, however, didn't miss a beat as he clamped his claws together and appeared to look like an unstoppable drill as he was performing Drill Run, which is a Ground-Type move I've heard of. Apparently, Machete's never seen this move before and he was shocked at how fast the male Excadrill was going and he made a direct hit towards the Poison Dart's stomach and he was blasted back towards a wall and was stuck there for the next five seconds before he fell back on his stomach with a hard 'thud'. Machete was down, but was not out. He opened his purple eyes slowly and it started to get blurry to him as Excadrill summoned up a Sandstorm. Of course, having Machete being a Steel-Type, it doesn't harm him at all, but Excadrill's ability, Sand Rush was instantly activated. His speed's been raised and he was soon too fast for Machete to keep up as he was hit with an Earthquake while he was still lying down with fatigue. The rumble lasted for the next three minutes and, by the time it was over, the Poison Dart felt even weaker than before. I resisted the urge to yell out words of encouragement towards him, but we all vowed not to interfere and I kept that promise alive. Eevee, however… he was shaking with extreme terror. It looks like he's already got his bond with Machete in full swing and wants him to win. Awwww! Pikachu was the only one who noticed it with me and he nudged my hand with a smile of honor. I returned it with confidence and watched this battle continue.

Finally, after five minutes of enduring a deadly Earthquake, Machete struggled under his massive weight to get back on his feet. Not only did he succeed, he did so by standing on his hind legs with his fists balled up with all his might as he performed Stainless Toxin to see if he could match the Excadrill's speed while raising his defenses at the same time. The sandstorm blocked the view of the shimmering toxins and Excadrill found this as the perfect opportunity to perform his final move: Fissure. It's one of those one-hit-KO moves that has terrible accuracy. The ground beneath Machete started to cave in and the added mini dust storm made it even harder for use to see the results of that attack. The Subterrene Pokémon appeared proud of his handiwork and walked towards his trainer, but as soon as the Sandstorm wore off after his first two steps, Richter reacted quickly with absolute shock as he pointed back over to where Machete was as he exclaimed:

"HOLD IT! EXCADRILL, LOOK BEHIND YA!"

He did so and he too was shocked. The hole was still there, but Machete showed off his impressive reflexes by appearing in a handstand with those sticky hands planted flat on both sides of the crack below him. Both of the ladies, once again, reacted positively by a harmonic "Ooooooh!" and us men stayed completely silent with wide eyes of astonishment. Excadrill and Richter could not believe their eyes. I mean, I know Fissure can be easily dodged at a good rate of about 80 percent of the time, but this evasive maneuver is just… breathtaking. Diancie… would… drool.

"…whhhhat da fuck?! How is ya…? I don't even… I… you… grrrrrr! Ohhhh-kay, Excadrill… finish off dat bastard! Dis Weakness Therapy is really workin' here!" It was funny how Richter could find the right words to counter that performance for a moment, but he was really determined to let the therapy continue, no matter what. With Fissure out of the question, Excadrill tried Earthquake once more, but at the very moment he felt that familiar rumble beneath his hands, Machete didn't waste a millisecond as he professionally sprung himself up to an excellent height of ten feet before he slammed down his fists with explosive force and it rattled the Earthquake so much that it reflected back towards Excadrill and, having never seen that before, he was at a severe standstill with shock before he was hit hard and was knocked out, rendering Machete victorious. Richter had to shake his head at a breakneck speed to make sure he really saw what he saw, slapping his own face twice afterwards. Machete saw that whole thing, even as he kept his ending position with his fists still resting on that crater he made within the ground, and chuckled at him.

Heh! Looks like this time, I know pretty much what to expect out of your remaining Pokémon. Machete announced with loads of confidence, even if he was severely injured from the Drill Run and Earthquake. I'm eagerly waiting for more… or you could go ahead with give me your Eevee right now and call it a day. Huh! Is Machete saying that his Weakness Therapy is already over at this point, but wants to try more just for the hell of it? Heh, heh! What am I saying? Of course, he is! But, let's hear what the pissed off farmer has to say.

"…mm! Intrestin' proposition ya made dere, Dartrog, but we're just getting started. I ain't gon' stop 'til you do. Ya hear?"

Yes, sir. Give me someone bigger this time. I wanna fight a Pokémon of my size or close to it.

"You got it! First thang's first: Excadrill, return." He did so and Richter didn't waste a moment released his next Pokémon without any words. It was the final evolution of the Rhyhorn line: Rhyperior. The male Drill Pokémon was at a good level of 60, but he about two feet shorter than Machete at a height of seven feet and ten inches and had a long drill that was sure to give the Dartrog what he's been asking for. "Is he close 'nough?"

Perfect! What is he?

"Ahhhh, ya neva seen dis one, apparently. Dis is Rhyperior, da ultimate Drill Pokémon with a killa ability dat I love so much: Solid Rock." Oh, no. Looks like Machete's got a challenge here. Solid Rock is an ability that lowers the damage done by super-effective moves by 25 percent… and Machete has yet to have a move that's super-effective. He's a steel-type, but with both Rock and Ground standing in front of him, his Poison-Type moves will barely leave a scratch and his only other move, Thunder Punch, won't even touch him! What can he do?!

He's a rock type as well?

"Heh, heh! Yep! Ya can't touch 'im! He's practically a wall befo' ya now! What'cha gonna do now, eh?"

I've got a strategy. I sure hope he does.

"Okey dokey, then! Let's see what'cha got! Rhyperior, you're on! Make me proud." And he sure does by starting out with Bulldoze, which is kinda like Earthquake's younger twin. Machete, of course, feels the quake before the impact and uses the tentacles on his back to reach up towards a lighting structure twenty feet high and he hung there until the rumble was over. That was the upside to that scene. The downside, however…

…he was left completely vulnerable for the next attack.

Rhyperior saw that wide open opportunity and didn't waste a moment doing something I never thought would be possible: While he was running he used Rock Polish to increase his speed at every step. When he finally reached the Dartrog after maxing out his speed, he readied his fist for a Power-Up Punch and it made direct contact to his chest. The impact made him fall off and land on his stomach, but he was not out yet. He managed to block another Power-Up Punch with those same tentacles and he wrestled with those massive fists for about a full minute before Machete eventually rolled backwards until he was on his feet and matched his speed by using Stainless Toxin once more and it raised his defenses as well. Soon as that was settled, the huge Drill Pokémon didn't waste a moment as that famous drill started to spin, ready to perform another one-hit-KO move called Horn Drill. He came at the Poison Dart Pokémon at blinding speed, but thanks to his own breakneck record, he was able to dodge out of the way by performing a really impressive side roll. When Rhyperior realized that he missed, he turned back around to see Machete, but he was struck hard in the back by one of those titanium sharp blades on his right wrist. YES! He finally learned a Steel-Type move he desperately needed, despite the Drill Pokémon's Solid Rock ability. Machete has just learned a new signature move: Titanium Fist. So far, he's got three signature moves now. Along with Toxic Punch and Stainless Toxin, they were never to be duplicated. Rhyperior wasn't too fazed by the attack, but it did leave him physically scarred on his back as he tried to push him away, but Machete even made that a painful choice by blocking that with both of those blades. The Drill Pokémon roared in pain before he made the new move stand out even more by having his entire arm from the elbows down to shimmer in that titanium silver before he unleashed an uppercut that launched the hefty 624 pound Pokémon into the air until he hit another steel structure upon the ceiling right on his chest before landing back down on his back… hard! It made the entire arena shake, but it never struck fear into our hearts. Machete got into his all-fours position of your typical frog and he smiled with the calm nature he was born with. This time, Ash joined in with Meadow and Meloetta for a round of applause that was well appreciated. I even felt Eevee smile within my arms and, without looking down, I mimicked him with honor. That was indeed a battle worthy of marking the end of Machete's Weakness Therapy…

…that is, unless… he wants an even bigger challenge just for the sake of us on the sidelines.

Richter, on the other hand, just couldn't believe what just happened as he summoned his fainted Rhyperior back into his pokéball. Now that Machete has learned a new signature move than cannot be copied, the Ground-Type expert had to think up of the perfect conclusion to this session. At this point, calling them Survival Battles was immediately a thing of the past.

Let's just say that it was just a cool thing to say, like Diancie's name.

"I just don't believe what I'm seein' here." He started with absolute shock. "Dat session wit dem Sandshrew gave ya an advantage, alright. Ya even asked fo' a bigger challenge with my Rhyperior and youse won dat one! What was dat move ya just did on 'im?"

Titanium Fist. Machete replied with no shame. It's a move I've had in the past, but due to my kindness towards all of Lileep and Cradilies, I never got around to using it. It was Toxic Punch that caused my destruction.

"Well, I'll be. Ya went and gained dat move right back. What level at ya at now?"

I'm currently at level 30 now. I learned that move at that level as well.

"How 'bout dat? And my Rhyperior was at level 70. Nobody's won against him befo'… mm! Ya know what? I give. You win. I do have mo', but afta e'rythang ya did, includin' dat goddamn handstand dat evaded my Excadrill's Fissure, I'd have ta say dat yo' Weakness Therapy is dubbed a success. Congrats, buddy… and sorry I was so harsh towards ya earlia." Machete had just given the farmer a loving embrace at that last word, making him return it at his best ability. "I just wanted ta win so badly, but I guess, to you, a level ain't nothin' but a numba."

I understand. I do have to admit it, though… The Poison Dart paused as he released the hug and just looked down at the grinning farmer. …your Pokémon are impressive. Is that Rhyperior the biggest one you've got?

"I ain't got Groudon yet, so yep! Trust me on dis, though: When I do get Groudon and dat Red Orb, I swear you're goin' down, brotha!"

Heh, heh! We'll see about that. At this point, Ground-Types don't scare me at all. My… fear of Earthquake still lingers within my soul, though.

"It's because of Diancie, ain't it? She's a Rock-Type and I undastand ya completely. Ain't she scared of da move as well?"

I know she's gotten used to the super-effective damages of Grass, Water, and Steel, but yes. She too is struggling with facing a Ground-Type attack. It's not just Earthquake that scares her. Huh?! How does he know all this?! He's only been with her for a couple of days now… unless… they've been discussing it in secret and never told me. Hmmm…

"Ah! I see! Well, here's an idea dat'll put her at ease: Tell her all 'bout what happened here and wit dem Sandshrew and see how she feels 'bout it all. If she adopts yo' bravery, den she'll face dese strong moves just like you just did from now on. She won't cower in fear da next time she feels an Earthquake comin'."

And I believe you. I take your plan into consideration, Richter. Thanks.

"Aww, don't mention it. Oh, and uh… shock her a lil'. Tell 'er a Ground-Type expert trainer told ya dis. It'll add mo' ta da confidence."

Heh, heh-I sure will. Thanks again, Richter. One more hug was shared between the two after that last word.

"You're very welcome. Now, I suppose I should pay my side of da bargain. I guess Eevee's yours, but do ya want 'im ta stay an Eevee foreva? I do have Evolution Stones fo' him."

Yes, I want him to stay that way forever. His fur speaks to me and keeps me sane.

"Well, den you're gonna have ta feed him dis." The farmer paused as he handed Machete a brown chocolate PokéPuff. The Dartrog made sure he didn't squish it. "Dis specially designed PokéPuff has small bits and pieces of an Everstone inside it. It's a special stone dat'll keep him from any kind of evolution permanently. Once he eats it, he'll neva evolve… ever!"

Thank you so much! I'll feed it to him immediately. Good luck on your quest for Groudon and I hope we meet again soon.

"Thank you, Machete. I hope so, too."

Five minutes later, we left out of the humble farmer's home, said our goodbyes, and made the journey back to Lilycove City, where Machete and I were due to tell one hell of story to all of my beloved Fairies. And with two new arrivals along the way, it was expected to be a story that's worth repeating tomorrow. About halfway through, I had to ask an important question to Meadow and it struck a conversation just between us two:

"Meadow, how do you feel about me?" The beautiful human Lilligant looked over at me with an expression saying that she expected this question to come out of my mouth at some point… especially since she asked me if I was enamored with her prior to Machete's epic battles.

"Huh! Interesting question coming from someone who replied with a 'maybe' when I asked him if he was in love with me." She sarcastically spat back in a sly tone of her elegant voice. "Anyway, to answer your question, I think you're the sweetest guy I've ever met. You care about your Pokémon so much and it just inspires me to the fullest. Even your Dartrog is following in your footsteps. Despite having both weaknesses of a Fairy-Type, he treats them as equally as you do… and now that he's adopted an Eevee to call his very own, it really makes me smile all over. At this point, I kinda wanna admit it while nobody else around to hear it. I trust Ash and his Pokémon completely: I am in love with you, Yvelton… but let's not express it to the world until the PokéDestructors have been destroyed." Oh, wow. I… I was speechless. I really didn't know what to say after that lovely speech. Meadow saw that in my purple Yveltal eyes and paused the walk for a moment to give me a tender kiss on my left cheek as an official symbol of our relationship. I blushed at the very instant her soft lips touched me and the red color never ceased afterwards. "Just stay focused on the investigation, okay? I promise to express my love to you even further someday. I love you, Yvelton." We held hands together the rest of the trip, even as we were now riding on Machete's back as he was galloping at his highest speed with Eevee sitting right on top of his head.

"…I love you more, Meadow."

That's… all I could say… for now.

To be continued…