Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Chapter 9: Perfection-Not Interested
So I lied about a fast update. Got inundated with work. Typical. Here's a longer chapter though. Lots happening!
Nacrene City. Home of the avant-garde artist. The place where trends began. You would think that sort of thing would begin in the bigger cities but no, this little city was the place Unova looked to for what was in.
I've been to Nacrene City several times. Not to find out fashion trends as many other girls did (though I always took note since Bianca would always ask) but to visit the museum. Mum took me as she enjoyed history so much. The exhibits were always changing so it was an adventure every time. As soon as I had gotten up this morning I had picked up a pamphlet from the Pokémon Centre. An exhibition on foreign artefacts was currently on. I had spent a while trying to find a place that sold cheap disposable cameras (the PokéMart did not stock them), so I had lunch before heading to the museum. I was excited; it had been a while since I'd been to the Nacrene Museum.
I walked in, nodding to the women at the desk. A great thing about this museum was that most of it was free; the Pewter Museum of Science did back in Kanto. I decided that if I wanted to see the rest of the museum, I could always pay later. The first hall held a surprise. A gigantic skeleton satin the middle of the room. People were milling around it, discussing it in hushed voices. I stared at it as well. At first it was shocking due to the size and excellent state it was in for a skeleton but after a while, I felt it was familiar from somewhere. I was there for a while but I eventually snapped a photo and moved on.
The exhibit was great. Fossils, masks and things like ancient cups that only someone trained to appreciate history-like my mum training me-could really understand the historical value on. I swear I spent more time looking at equipment trainers used to use to help them with Pokémon than at actual Pokémon fossils. I ran out of film quickly, staying there until night when I got hungry. I left and headed to a fast food restaurant.
'White! White!'
The moment I stepped through the door someone called my name. Looking around I was surprised to see Cheren and Bianca sitting at a booth. I headed over to give Bianca a hug, before she could yell out anymore. 'What are you guys doing here? Bianca, I thought you were still in Striaton City and Cheren, I thought you would've been gone from Nacrene by now.'
'I just arrived an hour ago after training on Route 3. I bumped into Cheren at the Pokémon Centre.'
'The library at the Nacrene Museum is fascinating. So much knowledge to be gained.' Cheren pushed his glasses up his nose. 'I beat the gym leader here yesterday but used today to read up on some topics.'
'What have you been up to?' Bianca asked.
As we ate burgers and chips for dinner, I quickly told them about Jack, N and visiting the museum. Cheren raised an eyebrow. 'Are you sure you should still be associating with N?'
I shrugged. 'He's strange but he doesn't mean any harm. If anything he seems so clueless, he's more likely to get into a sticky situation.'
Cheren frowned. 'I still think you should be careful.'
'It's not like I particularly go looking for him. I've just bumped into him twice.' I saw the look on Cheren's face and rushed to reassure him. 'Thanks for the advice though.'
'I still haven't met this N.' Bianca mused, munching on a chip. 'Must be an interesting person if it's got you two worked up.'
Cheren snorted. 'Interesting is a polite way to put it. He's downright weird.'
Bianca giggled. 'And you're not?' Cheren frowned at her, making her laugh. 'Oh come on Cheren. Who goes on a Pokémon journey but pauses so he can visit a library?'
I laughed as well as Cheren defended his decision. As the mock fight began escalating I decided to intervene as our current location wasn't suitable for the strange banter Bianca and Cheren had sometimes. 'What do you guys plan to do tomorrow?'
'I plan on visiting the Nacrene Museum library again.' Cheren answered instantly. 'There's a book I started today that I'll finish tomorrow.'
Bianca looked thoughtful. 'I'm not really sure. I want to look around Nacrene but I also want to challenge the gym leader. If I've already collected the Trio Badge I might as well collect more until I'm completely sure about what I want to do.'
'What about you White? Challenging the gym?' Cheren asked.
I laughed. 'You are not manipulating me into challenging the gym again Cheren. I plan to head through Pinwheel Forest tomorrow. There's a hostel I plan to get to by tomorrow night that's before the Skyarrow Bridge. That way I'll be in Castelia City day after tomorrow.'
'Aren't you going to appreciate the sights?' Bianca asked. 'What's the point of a journey if you're going to go through it so fast?'
'I've been to these places before. I want to go somewhere I haven't been, that's all.' I smiled at the thought.
'Are you sure about the gym?' Cheren asked. 'It still feels weird that my rival refuses to enter gym battles.'
I rolled my eyes and refused to answer. The rest of dinner was spent chatting and relaxing. We headed back to the Pokémon Centre, with a quick stop to a photograph shop so I could get my pictures developed. We headed to bed with the agreement we wouldn't make plans to meet in the morning.
I think I was the first one up the next morning. Grabbing breakfast I picked up my photos and went to the post office. Assured of a fast delivery, I left as the Pidove carrying the envelope flew in the opposite direction. I headed out of Nacrene City, quickly letting Triton and Zara out now we were back on the road. The morning was gone when we reached Pinwheel Forest. 'Alright, there'll be lots of trainers ahead of us on the road through Pinwheel. You ready?' Zara and Triton made noises of agreement. I sighed. 'The road is probably the best and worst thing about Pinwheel Forest. It makes it so easy to get through but it doesn't quite have the wilderness that Viridian Forest did. You get what I'm saying?' Silence met my question and I looked to see my Pokémon staring blankly at me. 'Never mind. Let's get going!'
I got into the forest and turned the corner when my progress was impeded. There was a line of people in medieval uniforms-Team Plasma-who were blocking the way. They didn't seem to notice and when I tapped one of them in the back, the man looked pissed as he turned to see what had distracted him. 'What?' He asked rudely.
I crossed my arms. 'You're blocking the way.' I said pointedly.
'So?' He glared at me. 'Get lost kid. You're not getting through.'
I was about to say something rude back when another man came up. 'What my companion means to say is that we are currently working on a project and we're sorry for blocking your way. Since the project is important we can't move at the moment. However, we should be done by tomorrow so if you come back then, we'll be gone and you can continue through.' He explained politely, even bowing to show his respect.
I frowned, hesitating. Eventually I shrugged. 'Ok, I'll come back later.' It seemed like a waste of energy to try and argue. And this man was being nice about it, unlike other Plasma members I had met so far, so I didn't want his politeness to go to waste.
'Again, we offer our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.' I turned and left to get away from his constant bowing.
Back out of the forest I sighed. 'What should we do now?' I asked Triton and Zara. Triton simply chattered unconcerned though Zara looked mad at missing out on possible battles. I decided to head to the Nacrene Museum library: Cheren had mentioned he would be there so I could always go annoy him.
As I made to enter the museum, I bumped into someone hard. 'Oof! Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't really…N?'
And so it was indeed N who I had walked into. He hadn't fallen, just stumbled back so he was fine. Zorua looked at me crossly though, as he was in his arms when I walked into them, thereby crushing the Pokémon. 'Hello White, Triton, Zara.' N greeted us. Triton chattered a greeting while Zara simply glared at him.
Several coos came from the side of the museum. Several Pokémon came up to N. I recognised the Pidove but not the other two. I brought out my Pokédex. Timburr. The muscular Pokémon. Fighting Type. And Tympole. The tadpole Pokémon. Water type. I put away my Pokédex as N gave attention to them.
N's voice was odd when he spoke. 'I…want to see things no one can see. The truth of Pokémon inside Pokéballs. The ideal of how trainers should be. And a future where Pokémon have become perfect…Do you feel the same?'
It took a moment to process what he said. Truth, ideals and perfection. What was he blabbering about? 'Well…'
The night when Dad and Black were going to leave. Black was asleep, so exhausted from packing he was dead to the world. Me? I was too upset to be. In the middle of the night as I lay awake I heard a stirring in the wind. Getting up, I snuck downstairs to see a red headed man with a cape, talking in the kitchen with mum and dad. Instead of going in, I stopped to eavesdrop.
'So what brings you here in the middle of the night?' Mum asked.
'Well I just heard the news. Are both of you really leaving Kanto?' The man asked. Mum and Dad both nodded in reply. 'You can't!'
'Why not?' Dad asked.
'Well…you guys just belong here…' He muttered.
Mum squeezed his arm. 'What's on your mind Lance?'
The man, Lance, took a deep breath. 'People look up to you two. Everything you've done…we need you in Kanto and Johto. You guys are the goal people strive for. You inspire trainers in two regions. If you both leave, what are people going to do?' Done what? Mum and Dad an inspiration? I didn't get it.
'Continue being trainers?' Mum suggested. She laughed. 'You make it sound as if we're perfect.'
'To the average trainer, you guys are.' Lance said seriously.
'I'm not even a battler.' Mum protested.
'It doesn't matter.' Lance shrugged. 'All you've done, the connection you have with Pokémon, people look at that as perfection.'
'Then it's probably a good thing we're leaving.' Dad spoke up. 'If people look at us as the ideal they'll stop trying to achieve more than that. If we set the limit, who's going to break it?'
'It's not like that.' Lance protested.
'It is.' Mum said quietly. 'The truth is, we're not perfect and people need to know that before they get too disappointed. In fact, they shouldn't be looking at us as a goal but figuring out how to connect to Pokémon in their own way. Trainers shouldn't be striving for perfection but to be better.'
Lance sighed in defeat. Mum and Dad could be pretty stubborn when they wanted to be. 'I still can't believe you're separating though.'
Dad's face was unreadable. 'That's life.'
'Sure you won't stay? People also look to you for protection.' Lance asked, though his tone suggested he knew it wouldn't work.
Mum laughed. 'We shouldn't be doing the Elite Four and Champion's jobs should we Lance? Besides, my brother's still in New Bark Town.'
Lance rolled his eyes. 'Well good luck in your new homes. How are White and Black taking it?' I was surprised he knew about us.
'Surprisingly well.' Mum said. 'They haven't really talked to us about it much. It'll be hard when they're separated tomorrow.'
He stood up. 'Yes well, it's hard for all of us to be losing such good friends.' Friends? I didn't even know Mum and Dad knew this guy. They weren't all too social with people. How many people were 'us'? 'I have to get back to the League. I guess this is goodbye.' League? Who was this guy?
'Yes but we'll be back to visit. Good luck.' He and dad gripped arms for a moment before he gave mum a hug.
I slipped back up to my bedroom and looked outside the window. It was a moonlit night and I saw the cloaked man come out of our house. A small red light flashed and a huge dragon Pokémon came out. I gaped as he climbed aboard and flew off, with barely a whisper to announce his departure.
'White?'
I shook my head clear of memories as N's voice called my back into the world. 'Do you agree?' He asked again.
'No.' I said firmly. He frowned. 'Well yes to seeing the truth of Pokémon. Who doesn't want to know more about them? But no to the ideals and perfection.'
'Why?'
'The ideal trainer? What is that? Someone who can understand Pokémon speech, like you? You were born with a very rare gift. No one can achieve that. Someone who never battles with Pokémon, never keeps them in Pokéballs, never gets them to do anything? N, from what I've heard, you want Pokémon and people to live side by side with each other but not really do anything together. It doesn't make sense.'
'I don't think you quite understand my reasoning.' N frowned.
I was on a roll though. 'And perfection in Pokémon? Not one Pokémon or person in this world is perfect.' I always remembered what Mum said that night. It was one of my favourite sayings. 'I don't want to be perfect. I don't want my Pokémon to be perfect. I want us all to be better.'
He looked confused and disappointed. 'You don't want your Pokémon to achieve perfection. I expected more from you.' He was silent for a moment. His Timburr growled, thumping his log on the floor. N nodded. 'Yes. White, pay attention. My friends and I will test you to see if you can this future.' Pidove flew off his shoulder, hovering in front of him, letting out a challenging screech.
'Huh? What future?' I asked in confusion but Zara had already leaped forward, anticipating a battle. I sighed. 'Alright then. Zara, Growl!'
'Pidove, Quick Attack!'
Pidove flew in fast, landing a hit first. Zara stumbled and let out an irritated growl. She grew it into a Growl attack, lowering the damage Pidove could do.
'Pidove, Gust!'
'Zara, Ember!'
'Dodge!'
Pidove threw up a wind that sent Zara tumbling backwards. In retaliation Zara spat some flames at Pidove but the Pokémon simply glided away, the attack barely brushing its feathers. I bit my lip. Pidove's speed was a potential problem to this battle. 'Ok, Zara, let's try Flame Charge to get your speed to match Pidove's.
'Pidove, use Quick Attack!'
Pidove came in for a dive. I waited for the flames to surround Zara but they didn't come. Instead Zara pulled herself up and her face darkened. Pulling out my Pokédex, it identified her using Scary Face. Pidove flinched at the face, still managing to hit but when she flew up, I noticed she had become stiff, her speed a lot slower.
I grinned. 'Awesome Zara. Let's use Flame Charge!'
'Pidove, hold her back with Gust!'
Zara covered herself in flames and charged forward. Pidove began flapping its wings but Zara was too fast and smashed into it, causing Pidove to tumble back in the air. 'Finish it fast Zara! DragonRage!'
'Quick Attack!' N called desperately.
Pidove flew at Zara just as she released the attack. The attack collided with a bang and Pidove landed backwards, fainted. Zara also slid back but she was still standing strong, albeit, a little beat up.
N gently picked Pidove up, whispering something to it. He placed the Pokémon next to him before sending out Tympole. I hesitated. A water type was bad news for Zara but Triton wouldn't be able to damage it much. I decided to take a risk. 'Zara, DragonRage!'
'Bubblebeam!' N called.
Zara's increased speed couldn't match the speed of Tympole. The water attack hit first and caused a lot of damage. With effort Zara released a DragonRage, hitting hard. Tympole was pretty weakened against the attack.
'Come on Zara! DragonRage, quickly!'
'Bubblebeam, once more!'
The Bubblebeam attack hit Zara hard, knocking her unconscious but not before she managed to loose an attack on Tympole, who also fainted. I recalled Zara, silently thanking her as I put away her Pokéball. N placed Tympole next to Pidove, whom Zorua was now guarding. He nodded and Timburr leapt forward, ready to battle. There were some murmurs and I finally realised a crowd had gathered. I made a face. Of course they would; after all, the battle was taking place in front of the Nacrene Museum. So even if they weren't interested, the people had to wait for us to clear the entrance. I turned to Triton. 'Ok, let's try making this a fast one.' He nodded and leapt forward, scalchops at the ready. 'Prepare to defend with them Triton.' A fighting type used a lot of physical attacks that were in your face.
'Timburr, Low Kick!'
Timburr rushed in a tripped Triton over, who fell flat on his face. He had prepared to defend against the log, not attacks aimed at his feet. I swore silently. I really had to keep my guard up. 'Go for a Razor Shell!'
'Bide!'
Too late to change the attack Triton hit Timburr with the watery scalchops, causing damage. With Bide in play I knew I had to finish this fast.
'Timburr, hold the log between you and Triton, to minimise direct damage.' N made a call.
I hesitated. I was running on a clock now and I had to get around that log. I remembered yesterday's battle with Jack. The Double-Edge had caused massive damage because of the hurtling speed Togekiss manage to get. The result of flying and gravity. 'Triton jump up and use Water Gun at the log, hard as you can!'
Triton, to his everlasting credit, didn't question my instructions and did exactly that. The pressure managed to cause some damage but that was beside the point. The attack pushed Triton further up into the air to a decent height. 'Now flip and use Razor Shell!'
Understanding my strategy, Triton flipped and aimed at Timburr, who was still stuck with Bide. Using the force of the fall, Triton's scalchop smashed into Timburr, causing heavy damage. Unable to hold the heavy log, Timburr dropped it onto itself, knocking itself unconscious. Triton had managed to jump back, panting with effort.
'Yes!' I prepared for another round but N simply shook his head.
'It's over.' He said simply.
'Huh? What about Zorua?' I asked. The black fox Pokémon was now carrying Pidove on his back.
N picked up Timburr and Tympole. 'Not this time. I lost the battle.' With that announcement there was a cheer as the crowd realised the battle was over. There were calls of congratulations, to both of us, people now moving on, no longer drawn still by the battle. There was so much noise I barely heard what N was muttering. 'Maybe I can't solve the equation that will save the world. My friends and I aren't strong enough. I need the power of the dragon! Of Reshiram.' I didn't recognise the name. 'We'll be friends-I'll become that hero.' About to ask what he meant he suddenly left and I was stopped by people offering congratulations. When they were done he had already disappeared.
I headed to the Pokémon Centre, healing my Pokémon up. I didn't really feel like explaining N to Cheren yet so I decided not to bug him. With nowhere to go I decided to explore Nacrene City. I visited the many quaint little stores in Nacrene City. Among one of the places I visited was a clothing store that sold miscellaneous items. One on of the racks hung several capes. I giggled, trying to imagine myself wearing one. I picked up a dark red one. Remembering my earlier memory, it reminded me of the man Lance. I frowned. Something about that memory began irritating me. I went over the details several times before it struck me.
The dragon Pokémon he rode.
I quickly shoved the cape back and ran back to the Nacrene Museum. Entering I stared at the skeleton. Yes, if you put flesh over the bones, it would resemble the Pokémon Lance rode. If I only knew the name. But all the plaque said was an ancient Pokémon that must have fallen from the skies.
My stomach rumbled. I headed to a restaurant where I got food for myself, Triton and Zara. I had just finished when my Xtransceiver rang. 'Hello?'
'White!' Mum was grinning. 'I got the photos you posted. How fascinating!'
I laughed. 'I was hoping you'd like it.'
'Like it? I love it. I might go see the exhibition in person.' Mum chattered. 'And you. Thinking of your dear old mother while you're on your Pokémon journey. How sweet of you.'
'Well, you're the reason I understand this stuff.' I shrugged. I was struck by an idea. 'Hey Mum. There's a Pokémon I want to know the name of. It's a dragon type and doesn't belong to Unova.'
She looked puzzled. 'Can you describe it?'
'Well, it's big and orange. Green under the wings. Stand on the hind feet. Big tail.'
'Sounds like a Dragonite.'
'A Dragonite?' I had heard the name before but never seen a picture.
Mum nodded. 'Dragonite are very rare Pokémon. They border on legendary. Very powerful and agile despite their size. Why?'
'I don't know if it's very clear in the picture but the skeleton in the Nacrene Museum? It reminds me of a Dragonite.' I informed her.
She nodded slowly. 'I see. You should probably let the curator know. That's the sort of information scholars love.'
I nodded again. 'I'll do it tomorrow.'
From there I related parts of my journey to Mum. I glossed over N in case it worried her. She told me what she had been up to since I had left. I showed her how Triton had evolved and she had gotten really excited at the sight of Zara. She didn't even seem fazed when I told her how I had gotten her; she thought it was logical dad would remember me starting my journey despite he was oblivious to other important events. I didn't argue with her. When she hung up I felt a little homesick. Triton gave me a hug while Zara, in a rare display of affection, nuzzled my hand. I laughed at how awesome my Pokémon were. Paying the bill I spent the night at the Pokémon Centre.
The next morning I headed straight to the museum. That early in the morning, it was fairly quiet. I asked the woman at the desk where the curator was. She gave me a strange look.
'Good morning.' A man with glasses came up. 'Can I help you?'
'Ah, yes, I'm looking for the curator? My name is White. I have some information they might like.'
He nodded. 'My name's Hawes, assistant director. Follow me.' He headed off as I trailed after him. He stopped at a display. 'Isn't this meteorite amazing? It emits some sort of energy from space. We're still researching it.' He headed off again.
We passed by a coal black stone. As I went to go by it, I felt a tiny jolt, making my left hand twitch. I stopped. 'Is this another meteorite?'
'Hm?' He looked at it. 'Oh, it's actually just an ordinary stone. It's old and was found in the desert. It doesn't really have any architectural or scientific value. We only show it because it looks kind of pretty.' I frowned, staring at it. 'You wanted to see the curator?'
I headed off behind him again, looking at my left hand. Had I imagined the shock? It was so faint that perhaps I had just imagined it. After all, the assistant director would know if there was anything special. But it seemed random for it to happen. I put it out of my mind when I nearly tripped on the stairs Hawes was now ascending. He stopped in front of a door. 'The Pokémon Gym is just beyond here. At the end, a very strong and kind gym leader is waiting.' He smiled. 'The Gym Leader Lenora happens to be my wife.'
'What?' I was really confused.
He grinned. 'Lenora is both gym leader and curator. If you want to see her before dark, you'll have to get through the gym.' I gaped at him. He chuckled at my face. 'I know you're a trainer. I saw you battle the green haired boy yesterday. If you don't want to take the gym challenge though, Lenora should be free after 5pm.'
I sighed. I really wanted to leave Nacrene City today. I didn't quite understand how I managed to end up challenging the gym again. 'Thanks.' I nodded to Hawes and headed in.
I stared when I got in. Shelves of books surrounded me. Wasn't this the library? Was the gym behind the library?
'Hello!'
I jumped and turned to my right as a man came out. 'Hang on, weren't you at Striaton City?'
He laughed. 'No. That was my brother. The Clyde family are proud caretakers of Unova's gyms.' He clapped his hands. 'Anyway, onto business! The gym leader is waiting for you. She uses Normal Type Pokémon, so only Fighting type are strong against them! Here's a freshwater.' I took the bottle. 'Now, your job is to find the gym leader. The first clue is in a book called Nice to Meet You, Pokémon! I hope you know how to use the library. You can also ask around if you like. Good luck!' He gave me a light push towards the shelves.
I walked in, battling a few trainers which Zara took out easily. The clues were hidden within books, which made me keep going around the shelves. The pieces of paper simply sent me from one book to another. I finally beat a girl who climbed down the step ladder. Climbing up I pulled the book down. Skipping to the end, I pulled out the memo. You've managed to get here. Well done! You seem to have wisdom as well as strength! I look forward to our battle! Gym Leader Lenora. I stared blankly at the book. Now where was I supposed to go? I heard a giggle and gave a small glare to the girl behind me, who was standing there with an innocent expression on her face. Turning around again, I saw a switch where the book had previously been sitting. I switched it and nearly fell off the step ladder when the shelf began moving.
I gaped as a staircase was revealed. Zara, who was waiting after the last battle, tugged at my shirt. Breaking me out of my shock, I headed down the stairs to a big basement. There were display cases at the far end but it was clearly a battle ring before it. The bushy haired woman smiled as I came in. 'Congratulations for making it down! You'll be surprised how often people struggle with my quiz. Now, let's get started shall we?' She threw out a Pokéball before I could get a word in.
Figuring I would have to beat her to talk to her I called Zara back to me. Instead I threw out Triton's ball and he came bursting out, looking excited. On her end a dog-like Pokémon came bursting out. I quickly pulled out my Pokédex to read it was a Herdier. The fierce look on her face caused Triton to hesitate. I recognised the ability Intimidate.
'Alright Herdier! Use Take Down!' The Herdier smashed hard into Triton, causing him to stumble backwards.
'Triton, Razor Shell!'
Triton charged back and hit Herdier on the head with the attack. He leapt back out of reach and waited for the next command.
'Herdier, another Take Down!' The attack hit hard. The Pokémon's pure strength and speed made it a problem. 'Again Herdier!'
'Jump and avoid!' Triton leaped into the air, avoiding the charging Pokémon. Herdier shook the dust off him, left by Triton as he had leapt. I realised that it was a dirt arena we were battling in, while the rest of the museum had been hard floor. It gave me an idea. 'Triton, Water Gun the field!' Triton shot water everywhere. 'Keep going!'
'I'm not sure what you're doing but it won't matter. Herdier, another Take Down!' The Pokémon turned and charged again, aiming for where Triton would fall. However she hit a patch of mud, tripping her over. The attack had stopped. 'What?'
I grinned. Triton landed neatly in the now muddy arena. 'Wetting dirt creates mud. Alright Triton, jump and use Razor Shell, then leap out of range!' Triton leapt forward, smashing the attack against Herdier before leaping back. While strong and fast, the Pokémon didn't have the dexterity that Triton held. The muddy field limited her ability to move, whereas Triton seemed unaffected by the change. 'Keep up this pattern! Don't stay in one spot!'
'Try using Bite when it gets near!' Lenora ordered. Herdier tried as Triton jumped around the field. However, she was unsuccessful in landing a single hit more and fainted after three more Razor Shells. The gym leader returned her to the Pokéball. 'Good work Herdier.' She turned to me. 'I'm afraid the next battle won't be so easy. Watchog, Retaliate!'
A form leapt out of the Pokéball and smashed straight into Triton. Triton let out a little yelp before fainting. I gaped at the sheer power of the attack. Pulling out my Pokédex I looked at the information. Retaliate. A Normal type move. Doubles in power if a Pokémon from the user's party fainted in the previous turn. I looked up to see Lenora smiling. I bit my lip. Zara was a little tired from the trainers in the library but she would just have to hold out against…whatever Pokémon that was. I looked at my Pokédex. Watchog. Normal Type. The Lookout Pokémon. I pulled out a Pokéball. 'Zara, let's do this!'
Zara roared at the Watchog, issuing a challenge. Lenora raised an eyebrow. 'Impressive Pokémon. Won't hold me back though. Watchog, Hypnosis!'
'Turn away!' Zara barely managed to look away in time. 'Let's raise our speed. Flame Charge!' Zara coated herself in flames and began running forward.
'Crunch!'
Zara managed to land a hit before Watchog's teeth caused damage. Looking warily at each other, I saw that Zara had sustained more damage. 'Flame Charge, again!'
'Hypnosis!'
'Turn!'
Zara managed to dodge the Hypnosis but missed the opportunity to attack. She was coated in mud now and what had previously worked to my advantage was now bothering Zara, slowing her speed slightly. Hypnosis was causing problems too. Of course, I could always manipulate the field again. 'Zara, Smokescreen! Lay it on thick!' The black smoke hid Zara from view.
'Watchog, just wait until she comes close to attack and then use Crunch.' Watchog nodded and waited warily.
'DragonRage!' I called. A ball of energy shot through the smoke and hit Watchog, who stumbled. Problem was, the attack dispersed a little of the smoke. I shook my head. I had to take the risk and trust Zara. 'Keep going!' The attacks came, one after the other. After four, the smoke had cleared enough to see the outline of Zara. 'Zara, move!'
'Crunch!' Watchog leapt forward and landed a hit on Zara, who yelped. The Pokémon leapt back but stumbled, showing exhaustion.
'Ok, this is it! Use Flame Charge!'
'Crunch, once more!'
Zara ran forward but Watchog hit first, landing a critical hit. It caused Zara to stumble. Growling, she managed to get up and plough heavily into Watchog, the attack stronger than it should've been. Watchog fainted and Zara roared in triumph. I frowned in confusion.
Lenora sighed. 'Of course. The ability Blaze.' I nodded in understanding. When Zara was weak, it would increase her attack power. She returned Watchog to her Pokéball and came forward. 'Here. The Basic Badge. Proof you've beaten me. You earned it. You're fighting style is certainly unique!' She laughed.
I smiled. 'Thank you.' I put it into my Badge Case. 'I actually came here to talk to you about something Lenora.'
She gave me a kind smile. 'What is it?'
'Well, about that fossil out front? It's-'
'Deeaaarrr!'
Lenora, Zara and I all jumped as Hawes came rushing down the stairs. Zara growled and I hastily returned her to her Pokéball in case she decided that Hawes would be an excellent target. The man in question was extremely panicky and flustered. 'Dear! Come quickly!'
Hawes led the way as Lenora and I ran after him. 'What's going on?' She asked as we ran along.
'Team Plasma is threatening to steal some bones!' He wailed.
I scowled. Team Plasma again. At least they came out openly this time and said they were stealing instead of hiding it behind pretty words. We sped up and burst out into the main part of the museum. People were screaming and whimpering as they tried to get out of the way by pushing against the walls. Team Plasma members filled the hall, all around the dragon fossil and around other exhibits. Lenora didn't hesitate and ran down the stairs to confront the members, who now looked a little nervous at the sight of the Gym Leader. 'Just you wait! What do you think you're trying to do!'
The rude man who had stopped me in the forest before answered. 'Team Plasma claims this Dragon Skull in the name of Pokémon Liberation!
'Liberation?' Hawes looked confused.
'That doesn't even make sense this time!' I cried out. Pokémon Liberation was a ridiculous idea but at least it explained why they would steal Pokémon or try and get Dream Mist to create propaganda. Fossil theft did not match up to their claims.
'What would you know?' A man sneered. I glared at him, my dislike for Team Plasma rising to hatred as I recognised the man who had been polite to me before. So much for some decent members. 'We'll take this before your eyes!'
Another member made a sudden movement and the whole place was suddenly filled with thick smoke. Unable to see and coughing, I could hear some more screams and some frantic movement before the call to move out was given. Taking a few steps forward to chase them I tripped down the stairs, landing heavily. The smoke alarm went off and the sprinklers came on, soaking everyone but clearing the smoke. Looking up from my spot on the floor I saw the skull of the fossil was missing.
'What is going on?' Lenora whispered and ran outside.
Hawes came down the stairs and helped me up. 'I heard you fall. Are you ok?'
I gently moved my ankle, wincing at the pain. 'Twisted.' I muttered. He looked at me in concern. 'It's ok, give it some time and I'll be perfectly fine. I just can't run on it for the moment.' He still looked worried. 'Come on, we've got bigger things to worry about! Can you help me outside?'
He nodded and together we managed to hobble outside. I gave a crooked smile. Another injury caused by Team Plasma. It was time they paid. Of course, I had to catch them first.
Busy chapter. Battle with N, battle with Lenora, Team Plasma action. As I said in the last chapter I quite like the Nacrene saga. So I hope I did a decent job on it. Hoping to get the next chapter out quickly though I can't guarantee anything because I said that about the last one and well, look how that turned out.
Hurray for Lance! I still remember him from when I first played the game. I happen to love the Dragonite evolution chain too. I may have made it too obvious who White's parents are though. Oh well. If you get it, good for you! If not, I'll be dropping more hints and will eventually reveal who they are. Not for a while though.
It would be awesome if you could review so I know if I'm actually doing an ok job. But if not, thanks for reading anyway!
