So this chapter has been sitting on my computer for a while. I couldn't log onto fanfiction because the security code was refusing to show up on my computer (I have three different internet browsers-captcha refused to show up on all of them) so it was very frustrating for a while. Was I the only one having this problem? But I decided to check randomly tonight and behold! the code had shown up. So upload, finally!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Chapter 8: The Nacrene Dance
'RRRIIIIINNNGGG!'
I woke up startled by the sound of my Xtransceiver. Groggily I answered it. 'Hello?'
'Good morning White.' Professor Juniper smiled happily on the screen. 'How's the journey going?'
I yawned. 'Good. I'm on Route 3 at the moment. In a cave off to the side.'
'Ah, you must be in Wellspring Cave.' She nodded cheerfully. 'How's the Pokédex?'
'I haven't caught that many Pokémon yet Professor.' I said sheepishly.
'That's ok. Didn't I tell you? Your Pokédex will register Pokémon if you just see them. It's been improved from the older versions! It gives more information if you capture them but it's fine if you just catch sight of them in terms of registering it.' She laughed. 'It's great isn't it?' I sighed. Well, she just saved me a lot of money. 'Oh, you have a new Pokémon! A Charmeleon! How rare!'
I nodded. 'Yeah, she was a present from my dad. I got Zara as a Charmander but she's evolved since then.'
'How wonderful! Next time I see you, I'll have to upgrade it to a National Pokédex. It's a break in precedence but considering you've seen Pokédexes before and you have a non-regional Pokémon, I think I can make an exception.' She winked at me.
I smiled. 'Thanks Professor.'
'Well, just wanted to check how you're doing. I'll see you later!' The screen went black.
Stretching, I grinned at my Pokémon. 'Morning! Let's try and make it to Nacrene today.' They nodded in response.
After packing camp I noticed the weather was beautiful outside. It was too nice a day for Triton and Zara to remain in their Pokéballs so I decided to let them walk beside me. We finally took the turn down to Nacrene City. I hummed as we went along, until we were challenged by a trainer. Route 3 had a few trainers. They were of varying levels but I managed to take them out. As we walked along, I saw a patch a darker, wilder grass.
'Why can't we just fly there?' I whined. We had just moved to Unova and, for the first time, we were visiting family in White Forest.
'Because Hermes can't Fly where he hasn't been before. We can fly next time.' Mum explained patiently.
I grumbled. I didn't want to see family I had never met before. But Mum dragged me along Route 3 promising as soon as we got to Castelia City, we could catch a bus. In my grouchiness, I deliberately decided to walk on the other side of the fence from mum. Of course, I was to busy trying to avoid her and walked straight into extremely thick grass. Spluttering (it reached above my head), I tried to call out for mum, only to have two Pokémon jump at me. A Blitzle and a Purrloin. I tried to run away back the thick grass simply tripped me over. I braced myself as they leapt forward to attack.
'Qilin, Double Hit! Demeter, Energy Ball!'
I looked up to see mum's Girararig slamming into the Blitzle and her Meganium blasting Purrloin with a green ball. The two hits sent the wild Pokémon scurrying off. Mum hurried over and gave me a hug in relief. 'Don't disappear like that!'
I stared at her. 'Mum, I didn't know you could battle.'
She shrugged. 'I'm not very good. Your father is a much better battler so he did all the battling for us. I haven't really battle for several years now.' She turned to them. 'Thanks Qilin, thanks Demeter.' And she returned them to their Pokéballs. 'You have to be careful now. This thicker grass? The Pokémon here are stronger and sometimes they work in pairs. Now let's hurry.'
In Kanto, they had never seen Mum battle. White had seen it a few times in Unova and when she told Black about it, he still found it hard to believe. Of course, it made sense considering how Demeter would've had to battle to get to a high enough level to evolve into a Meganium.
I turned to Triton and Zara. 'Let's get some training done!' I led the way into the thick grass. After some hours we came out, tired but stronger. We walked across a bridge, facing a few more trainers and finally reached the gate to Nacrene as it was getting close to evening. Heading through, I located the Pokémon Centre and healed Triton and Zara up first. I quickly took them to a café at the edge of town. Mum had taken me here before and I knew the food was great. I was soon set up on the patio with my dinner in front of me and my Pokémon eating from their bowls on the floor. There was a man playing the accordion, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. A little Igglybuff bounced at the man's feet, singing along.
'Good evening White.'
'Hi N.' I said lazily. I was much too relaxed to react anymore than that. 'Sit down. Had dinner yet?'
N sat across from me. 'Yes, I've eaten.' Zorua jumped from his shoulder to say hello to Triton, growling slightly at Zara. The Charmeleon kept a wary eye out but continued to eat her feed, effectively ignoring our companions.
For once he didn't appear to have anything to say, so I just continued to eat, relishing the silence. The song the musician was playing finished and he and Igglybuff took a bow to the scattered applause of the patrons before starting a new song. I finished my meal and looked over to see N looking at the man strangely. I poked his leg with my foot. 'What's eating you?'
He looked confused. 'I'm not being eaten.'
I rolled my eyes. 'It's a saying. I meant what's on your mind?'
There was a pause. 'That man. I don't understand the point of using a Pokémon for singing.'
I raised an eyebrow. 'I don't think there's a point except that it's fun. I mean, Igglybuff love to sing, so they're probably performing together because they enjoy it.'
'Trainers exploit Pokémon for their own use.' N frowned. 'That can't be the reason why that Pokémon is with that man.'
My relaxed mood disappeared. 'Is it that hard to understand that most trainers and Pokémon are friends? You want people and Pokémon to get along, yes? How are you ever going to see it happen if you blind yourself to it when it's right in front of you?'
He said nothing, though the frown deepened on his face. I paid the bill as Triton and Zara finished their meal. As soon as he finished his last bite, Triton ran up to the man, grabbed his two scalchops and starting tapping them together, along to the music. As he danced there was a ripple of laughter around the other customers as they watched. The man who laughed the loudest was the one playing the accordion, delight shining in his eyes. His Igglybuff jumped on top of Triton's head and continued to sing as Triton and the man played. After the song was finished, the man began playing a faster tune, like a jig. Triton jumped in delight, playing along. To my surprise the man began singing, a country voice, melodic and fine. Igglybuff sang harmony and the three created a fun tune.
It was two children belonging to a family that got up first. They got up and started dancing, not really sure what they were doing, but not caring a bit. I laughed and began clapping along. They reminded me of Em, who would always do this sort of thing. She would do the same as the kids were doing now, running to all the adults, family and strangers alike, to try and get them to join in. So when the little girl came up I didn't hesitate but stood up and joined in. I spun her around as she giggled in delight. As she moved on an elderly man, still hale and friendship shining from his face, caught me and spun me around. By then more and more people were joining in. I danced, with faces flashing past me and spinning with strangers. When I got a chance to catch a breath, as no one grabbed me to dance, I saw N still sitting at the table, watching the movement with confusion and possibly longing? Zara had taken my seat, clearly enjoying the scene, though I doubted if she'd join in and Zorua was on the table, tail swishing from side to side, in time with the music.
I headed over. 'Come on! Join in.' I offered my hand.
He looked at me strangely. 'I don't understand.'
I shook my head. 'What's so hard to understand? Come dance!'
'I meant I don't understand the purpose of this. Dancing is either performed at balls, as a form of socialisation, or on stage, for entertainment for the crowd watching. It serves neither purpose here, so why is there dancing?' N rationalised. 'Besides, considering how flushed you look, I'm sure it's not good for your health.'
I stared and laughed. 'Sometimes things don't have such deep purposes silly. Don't diss it before you try it!' Before he could protest I pulled him up, dancing with him until another person pulled him away. I lost sight of him until the restaurant manager stated they were closing, apologising for ruining our fun but thanking us for our patronage. I went up to Zara first, collecting her from the table. N was already holding Zorua. Before he could speak I left to collect Triton.
The man on the Accordion was thanking Triton for helping, while his Igglybuff sat on the Dewott's head. 'I should be thanking you for letting Triton play with you.' I said to the man.
He looked up and smiled at me. 'I loved it. It's great being able to see such a happy Pokémon. It means that their trainer is a good person.'
I smiled. 'Working on it. It helps he's an awesome Pokémon. Your Igglybuff looks really happy too.'
The man looked surprised. 'You know what an Igglybuff is? That's surprising.' I quickly explained how I'd come from another region. He laughed. 'I lived in Johto for most of my life and I would visit Kanto all the time. Where did you live?'
'Pallet Town.'
'Home of the famous Professor Oak!' He looked eager. 'Did you ever meet him?'
I nodded. 'He was a family friend so, yeah.'
'Lucky! I wish I could.' He smiled. 'Look at me. An old man gushing.'
I giggled. 'If it helps, nearly everyone I've met that learns I know Prof. Oak reacts that way.'
'Did he give you a Pokémon?'
I shook my head. 'No but he asked Professor Juniper if she could give me one. That's how I got Triton.'
He smiled at Triton. 'You are a very good Pokémon. I would've liked to see one of the Kanto starters though.'
'I have a Charmeleon who was a gift from my dad.' I said eagerly. It would be good to see someone appreciate Zara as a special Kanto Pokémon. He brightened up at the thought. 'I can show her to you. She's a bit standoffish though.'
'I have a better idea. Why don't we have a Pokémon battle? It'll be a good way to see her and also see how good a trainer you are.' He stood up, accordion now put away in a case at his side.
'Should you really be forcing your Pokémon to battle?' I jumped. I didn't notice when N had come to stand beside me. He frowned at the old man, Zorua regarding him carefully.
I glared at N but the man simply laughed. 'My Pokémon enjoy battling. Maybe I would be forcing them if we did it all the time but the occasional battle can be fun. Let's go.'
Moments later we were standing on a grassy spot next to the restaurant. It was getting very late but I was eager for a battle. We had agreed on a one-on-one battle, so Triton was standing next to N, Igglybuff still on his head, and Zorua now on N's shoulders. They stood off to one side as I prepared to battle.
'By the way, my name is Jack.' He said, taking out a Pokéball.
'White.' I threw out my Pokéball. 'Go Zara!'
'Togekiss!'
Zara's tail flame shone brightly in the darkness as it bounced off the beautiful white Pokémon who soared through the sky. I smiled. 'That's a beautiful Togekiss. My mum has one called Hermes but his colour isn't as white as yours.'
Jack laughed as Togekiss preened. 'Thank you. Shall we start?'
I nodded. 'Zara, Flame Charge!' I would need extra speed to beat a flying type.
'Togekiss, dodge! Follow up with Sweet Kiss!'
Zara covered herself in flames, jumping to hit Togekiss. The Pokémon dodged gracefully and swooped in and flicked a wing from his lips, blowing a kiss onto Zara. It landed and Zara began stumbling around, confused as Togekiss flew into the air.
I cursed silently. 'Come on Zara! Try and snap out of it and use Flame Charge.'
'Togekiss, glide left and use Aura Sphere!' Jack called out.
Zara stumbled forward and managed to cover herself with flames. When she ran forward to hit Togekiss, he glided left at the last moment, confusing Zara who stumbled and hurt herself. Now behind Zara, Togekiss quickly formed a glowing blue sphere and shot it straight at Zara before flying out of reach. The attack sent Zara flying forward and hitting the ground hard. She just managed to get on her feet, still suffering from confusion.
'You can do it Zara! Use DragonRage and hit Togekiss hard!' I cheered for her.
Zara's eyes glowed and as Togekiss was circling above she managed to hit him with a ball of power. Togekiss faltered, tumbling to the ground for a moment.
'Togekiss, straighten up and use AncientPower!' Jack called.
'Crap!' I watched in horror as Togekiss fell close to Zara but managed to right himself before he could hit the ground. He let out a cry and rocks from the ground raised and smashed into Zara. Weak to rock type moves Zara cried out and stumbled, knees hitting the ground. She panted there, exhausted. 'Zara! DragonRage, once more!'
'Finish up with Double-Edge!' Jack called.
As Zara's eyes began glowing Togekiss pulled in his eyes and dived at her. 'Zara, just roll over!' As Togekiss was just about to land the hit, Zara rolled onto her back and released a DragonRage attack straight into him. The force of the two attacks created a huge dust cloud. Togekiss flew out of the cloud and circled above, looking a little battered. It felt like an eternity passed before the cloud cleared and Zara was revealed to be lying unconscious on the ground. I quickly ran over and stroked Zara's muzzle. Her eyes flickered open and she growled. 'Not this time Zara.' I whispered. 'We lost this battle but that's ok.' Her growl faded and she looked disappointed. 'You did an absolutely fantastic job. I don't care if we lost. Take a break.' I recalled her into her Pokéball.
'You put up a fantastic battle.' Jack said, coming over. Togekiss landed behind him, giving a soft call as if in agreement.
I shook my head. 'Zara battled hard but I did a horrible job.'
'You haven't been a trainer long have you?' Jack asked.
I shrugged. 'I started a few days ago.'
Jack smiled. 'I've been battling for years. The experience and years probably made a big difference. For someone who only just started being a trainer, you did really well. You've got heaps of potential.'
I gave him a weak smiled. I wasn't too sure on that. 'Thanks. Togekiss was amazing.'
Jack stroked his neck. 'So was Zara. That last attack, getting Zara to roll over, that was brilliant. I've only ever seen two other trainers show that kind of spontaneity.' He suddenly looked at his watch. 'Look at the time! We should probably be getting to bed.' He returned Togekiss to his ball and collected Igglybuff. 'Good night.' And he walked off.
I sighed. My first loss was harder to take than I expected.
'His Pokémon would have been forced to battle many times to get that strong.'
I jumped at the disapproving voice. I had forgotten N was there. He was frowning, arms crossed in anger. I sighed again. 'No doubt they did battle heaps but Jack doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would force his Pokémon to battle. His Pokémon would've wanted to.' N looked sullen. I rolled my eyes. He wasn't going to listen to anything I said at this point. 'Look, I'm headed to the Pokémon Centre to heal Zara up and to sleep. You coming?'
He shook his head. 'I have accommodation elsewhere.'
I shrugged. 'Alright. I'll see you around N.' And with a scratch for Zorua, I headed off, Triton at my side.
'Whoa!' I stared up and up.
'It's huge!' Black exclaimed.
Mum nodded. 'The Bell Tower has nine floors. They say it used to be the perch of Ho-Oh.' Mum had taken Black and me for a trip to Johto. It was our first time in Ecruteak City. She smiled. 'The people in this city still pay their respects, waiting for the day Ho-Oh returns.'
'But I thought he did! The TV said so!' Black looked at her in confusion.
Mum shrugged. 'The show you were watching was about myths. There were rumours that Ho-Oh appeared about 20-30 years ago but no one's confirmed that rumour. We hear this sort of thing all the time.'
'When will he come back?' I asked.
'They say that Ho-Oh will only return when he finds a trainer with a pure heart, who will reunite people and Pokémon.'
'But we're already united.' Black protested.
Mum laughed. 'Maybe that's why Ho-Oh hasn't come back. Because we don't need him yet.'
'That trainer must be an amazing person.' I whispered in awe. 'It'd be so cool meeting Ho-Oh.'
'Anyone would be lucky to meet a Legendary Pokémon.' Mum said quietly, a strange look on her face.
'You know what? I'm gonna catch a legendary Pokémon when I become a trainer. You wait and see!' Black said in determination.
Mum had laughed and asked which one but I wasn't really listening. I was too awestruck by the majestic feel of the tower. Ho-Oh was waiting for the right trainer. Perhaps other legendary Pokémon were as well. What kind of person would it take, to be chosen by a legendary…
And we finally arrive in Nacrene City with White's first loss. She needed to at some point. Otherwise it would be too convenient. The dance scene was entirely random-I literally only thought about writing it as I started writing it. Hope it wasn't too cheesy. I just wanted to confuse N because he needed to see Pokemon outside of battle so Jack and Igglybuff were created. Now they're in the story, theyll probably end up showing up again somewhere later.
Anyway, I'm really excited about writing the next bit. The Nacrene Gym and whole sequence with Plasma is a scene I quite enjoyed in the game. So (hopefully) expect faster uploads for Nacrene compared to the gaps between the last chapters.
Thanks for reading and reviews would be helpful (to see if I'm going in the right direction with this!).
