Chapter 10: Reap the Scales
Like Shinx said, all the perfect apples were robbed from the branches, not even one that may have fallen off the tree could be found. "What do we do?" He asked in desperation.
"Aside from giving Wigglytuff a regular apple and making him think it's a 'perfect' one, which is a pretty bad idea... I don't have one."
"It's going to get late." Shinx stated whilst pointing to the sky. "The gas Skuntank used on us, must've kept us asleep for hours."
Before we (grudgingly) headed back to the guild, Zubat awoke from his sleep. "Wah!" He exclaimed out of shock. "They left without me!?" Since there was no point in attacking him, we let him fly off to find his team. 'Some team they have, when they couldn't even bring a fallen ally back with them.'
"I'm sorry, John..." Shinx said.
"What?" I questioned in a confused manner.
"For trying to take on Team Skull. I should've known better and used that stun seed you gave me on Skuntank." He explained. "If I did, we may have gotten at least one of those perfect apples."
"Oh, don't worry about that." I assured. "Say, if you did use it, all Zubat or Koffing would have had to do is touch him and the effects would've instantly worn off." Before using my badge to transport us via giant beam in the sky, I checked my bag to see if they stole anything; they were nice enough to not do that at least, as I found out everything was still there. "As much as I don't like what's in store for us, we should head back."
"Yeah..." Shinx responded, visibly upset and disappointed in himself. I used the badge to summon a beam of light, that was strong enough to lift both of us off the terrain.
Awaiting our arrival Chatot paced back and fourth on the second floor of the guild. "Them two should have been here by now... what's taking them so long..." Chatot said to himself in distress. "If they have failed- No they shouldn't, I chose them over anyone else... T-They won't..."
"Pokémon detected! Pokémon detected!" Diglett proclaimed from the underground floor of the guild. "It's a... boot? John you gotta stop wearing those!"
"Why? It's one way to know who I am anyway, right?"
"Yeah, but what happens if somebody uses the same boot, to intrude on our territory?"
"I could easily say it's me... Unless a ditto or zoroark copy my form, but even then, without the boots, they could still get in." I replied. "Now, I'd hate to be bossy, but will you let us in?" I asked.
"Okay, fine. Get in." He replied, as the doors to the guild opened.
As we climbed down the ladder to the second floor, we met the first pokémon we needed to inform on this... Less than successful mission.
"You took your time... And smell horrible." Chatot acknowledged. "Ahem. Please... Tell you found those perfect apples."
Before Shinx and I were up to this point I told him I'd do the talking. "I'm sorry... But we didn't..."
"What?!" Chatot bellowed. "Oh no! What am I going to do?!" He grieved to himself, flapping around in an erratic case of panic. "No seriously! What I am going to do?!"
Trying to reason with him I came up with an excuse. "You see… when we got there, the apples were already gone, and we were as thorough as humanly possible, so Wigglytuff... Might have to go without a perfect apple for tonight-"
"Silence!" He yelled, With the sudden pitch in tone, I quickly turned silent. "I don't want to hear anymore excuses! You have left me no choice... As punishment for not fulfilling your task, you will not get any dinner tonight!" 'All of this for one apple?' I dared not to question with it, especially since of what happened this morning. "Just be grateful your punishment wasn't anymore severe. You've saddled me, with this unfortunate task... And I shouldn't suffer the consequences alone..."
Since Chatot, had to tell Wigglytuff about the unfortunate turn of events, we were also in the Guildmaster's Chamber with him. Facing the banner that was pinned to the back wall, The Guildmaster turned around, greeting us. "Hiya!" He beamed. "You bought me some perfect, didn't you? Thank you!" I was about to spill the bad news, until Chatot beat me to it.
"Actually..." He piped in. "I hate to inform you on this but... The apprentices... They failed to get you some perfect apples."
"Oh, it's okay!" He said.
"Wait, so you're fine with this?" I asked him with a tinge of hope, thinking it would've been much worse.
"Of course!" He assured. "Sometimes, not everybody wins. Don't feel blue, don't feel blue!" He chimed "After all, there are plenty of perfect apples."
"That's... Um, not what he meant." Chatot responded, nervously. "You see the amount of perfect apples, we had harvested... Are erm... Zero."
"Oh..." Was all Wigglytuff said.
"Therefore... not even one perfect apple... was obtained." The stuttering in his sentence built up the more he talked. "As unfortunate, as it is... You'll... Have to do without a perfect apple for tonight..." His eyes released tiny bits of fluid, and not the kind you'd cry out. "Yep, t-that's what it means!" Overwhelmed, with the current situation, Chatot let out uncontrollable laughter, I found it... Discomforting to say the least...
Tears streamed down the Guildmaster's face as he sniffled, his eyes and nostrils, twitching to no end.
"Oh, dear! Guildmaster?" All three of us knew what was coming, the Guldmaster vibrated violently, as tremors occurred! Due to my bad balance, I was swept off my feet, as I could only brace myself for what's to come! Chatot, and Shinx, who were barely visible, rooted their feet to the ground as hard as they could. "Quick cover your ears!" Chatot commanded, with his wings over his own canals.
"What?!" Shinx questioned.
"Don't argue with me just do it!" Being four-legged, it was near impossible for Shinx to shield his ears from the noise and stand on the ground at the same time. Seeing that, he didn't want to lose hearing, he covered them in desperation, as he legs no longer held him.
The tremors intensified to an extreme point that miniature explosions were let off inexplicably! They were deafening to say the least, and at this rate he'll cause the whole establishment to collapse on itself! "Wahhhh!" The guildmaster's tears cascaded out of his eyes, as his tantrum worsened-
"Sorry to disturb you." From nothing but a calm tone, it all stopped in an instant, all thanks to Team Skull entering the room (which I can't believe I said). "We've come to deliver a perfect apple."
"Huh?" Wigglytuff questioned, his tears drying up and fading quicker than water in a scorching desert.
Koffing and Zubat shoved us out the way to make a path for Skuntank. I tempted to resist or remark something like 'Whoa, easy there.' But that wasn't the time and place for it. The toxic skunk gave Wigglytuff a perfect apple for him to eat. "Here you go, a genuine perfect apple. Don't worry about running out either, we brought six others." He said. "Take it as a token of our friendship."
"Oh wow!" Wigglytuff exclaimed. "You went out and got it for me?! Yay! Thank you! Friends! Friends!"
"Th-thank you very kindly" Chatot praised "Thanks to you, we've all been spared a catastrophe."
"Ah, so that's why there weren't any perfect apples left." I added. "You went ahead and did the job for us." I turned to Chatot. "So er... does the punishment still stand?..."
"Don't take me as a fool, John!" Chatot snapped. "You clearly saw this as an easy mission and used it as an excuse to doze around!" 'Oh-oh. Looks like we've taken a left turn trough injustice lane, here.' "I suggest you show appreciation for what these trio have done to get you out of this mess."
"Chaw-haw-haw. No, no, it's quite alright. After all, the guild has been very generous and hospital to us." At least that spares Shinx and I the pain of forcing a sincere thank-you. "It's only right that we try to repay that favour in our own way." I better keep an eye on him, for the guildmaster's sake and that I also don't take fondly to those who are two-faced.
"Ah! I see that you're the most admirable of pokémon." Chatot stated. "To be able to embark on expedition with someone as noble as the likes of you three... It will be truly inspiring!" On second thoughts maybe, having the entire building collapse on us would've been the better alternative.
"Chaw-haw-haw. No, no! You will be the ones to inspire us." Truly, we look forward to our expedition." Skuntank responded. "It's dinner time now, so we'll be off to eat." Skuntank added. "Until tomorrow then, Chaw-haw-haw." Welp, that's the last straw, if gassing me twice, stealing our job and getting us blamed for failure wasn't enough, you decide to do, this... Naturally, in a scenario like this, I'm supposed to make you my sworn enemy or a different term: 'rival', but too bad one of us understands the concept of karma.
After the meeting John and I had with Wigglytuff, we were positioned on the far end of the mess hall as we watched all the other guild members eat... I did everything in my power to not shed a tear, if I do it'll just show a sign of weakness which Team Skull will revel in... I've started to hate these three with a burning passion, every time one of them looked me in the eye my urge to zap them with a Shock Wave attack grows by the second, sadly I can't fight back and they know this... I'm simply too weak...
It was the first day of my apprenticeship; moments before, I met John, I took a big breath before I stepped on the grate in front of the Guild's entrance "Whoa-ho-ho, wot's a wimp like you doin' on de outside of da guild?" There they were, Koffing and Zubat, it was clear to me that I was being followed; I recognised that pongy stench of gas wherever I went.
"Heh-heh. Isn't it obvious? He thinks he can be an apprentice, what a joke."
"Hey! I-I'll have you know I am an apprentice!" I told them in an attempt to stand up for myself.
"Whoa-ho-ho, Guess, Chief was right, then. They really DO only hire da weakest! Whoa-ho-ho!"
"Anyhow, we demand dat you give us your loot! And befor' ya' say or else wot, we'll take it by force."
"Heh-heh, and we'd rather not do it by force... Though that doesn't mean we won't feel bad for doing it."
I couldn't let them steal my relic fragment, no matter the threat. So I said 'no' the best way I could. "B-Bite me!"
"Whoa-ho-ho trust me wimp, dere's two of us, an' only one of you, you won't stand a chance." Goosebumps occurred in my legs, my body went tense, I slowly backed away treading on the grate Diglett was below.
"Pokémon detected! Pokémon detected!" The sudden exclamation made be jump out of my skin, Koffing used this as a perfect opportunity to take my bag, he caught it between his two, right fangs, and thought between the bag and I, in a game of tug of war. I was easily winning over, thanks to using more of my body, however...
"Heh-heh, leave it to me!" Transparent rings came out of Zubat's mouth, as they travelled through my ears; he attacked me with Supersonic, and it left me too dazed to fight back! Both Koffing and Zubat both used their fangs to yank the bag out of my grasps, and fled the scene
"Heh-heh. Thanks wimp!"
It seemed like forever sitting at the mess with no food, but when it was over I was thankful it was over, not just because I was starving, but I didn't want to show tears in front of the whole guild (especially Team Skull). Once we got back to our room I immediately closed the door, almost with full force, and curled up in my bed as my need for sleep thought against my held in emotions and hunger pangs… My throat ached in pain as my stomach growled… I can't take it… I can't—
"Shinx, wait… I saw the same look on your face since we returned to the Guild. I didn't mention it sooner, because you probably wouldn't have wanted to 'look weak'. But you're holding in your emotions, aren't you?" My eyelids opened right back up, he was right… What do I say?
I already knew nothing would convince John otherwise. I confronted him, with tears running down my eyes, with tiny bits of snot running down my nose. "Y-Yes."
As I let loose my tears, John opened our door slightly, and peered through the hallway, he quickly closed it gently and turned back to me.
"Look, I know today, hasn't gone as planned, and despite getting unjustifiably punished, and left to practically malnourish, it's not the end of the world."
"That's not the problem…" I said. "I'm starting to think… Maybe I'm not cut out for this job."
"Are you only saying that because of Team Skull?"
"…I guess." I admitted.
"First off, screw them, they're only saying this to you to upset you.
"Secondly, for someone your age, you've done pretty well, especially on their, like what? First week? Month? Of your apprenticeship. We arrested an outlaw, YOU saved the life of a spoink, and we explored places people— pokémon can only dream of going to." He pointed out. "Surely you're not going to give up now because a few horse's so-and-so told you to, right?"
"Yeah you're right!" I exclaimed a bit too loud, luckily nobody heard. "And now that I think about it, I remember why I joined in the Guild in the first place." I opened the top part of my draw, (right above the one where I kept my accomplished bulletin board missions), and showed John something I kept for a very long time.
"It's a, erm… missing poster with a female luxray on it." John mentioned.
"Well I don't think it's any luxray. Remember when I told you how I got here?"
"You were dropped off in a basket at the front door of the Guild when you were a cub, correct?"
"A-ha." I answered. "Take a look at the location the pokémon was last known to be at."
"Amp Plains."
"Correct." I responded. "Amp Plains is a common place for electric type pokémon to inhabit, more importantly luxray families." I explained. "And this can't be any coincidence, either. She was reported missing three days after my drop off. I know this sounds crazy… But I think she might be my mother…"
"I wouldn't call it crazy, I mean it does have some deductive reasoning to it, it's also worth mentioning that the child will always share the same evolution line as their mother. Any hints towards who your father might be?"
"No, not yet…" I answered. Although it was nice getting some emotions off my chest, my hunger still kicked in. "…I'm so hungry, I don't think I'd be able to sleep through the night."
"Hold on." John said as he got two seeds out of the green sack attached to his tracksuit bottoms, that he left folded on a drawer. "It's not much but hopefully it'll help." He handed over a sleep seed which I gladly took from him.
"I just hope this will all get better…" I muttered to myself
"All I can say is, I and the majority of the guild are on your side Shinx. They're protective of you, and I believe they'll try their best to make sure the worst doesn't happen to you." John assured, I tried to reply, but the sleep seed I already swallowed put me in a deep slumber.
Due to there being no spare room left to hold Team Skull, Gulidmaster Wigglytuff reserved them an empty tipi that was provided by the folks of Treasure Town. Being that the entrance was sealed, no light entered, however in the darkness the trio still began a discussion.
"But Chief... Why'd you bother helping out that sissy?" Zubat inquired. "Like giving that perfect apple right then... We should've watched what'd happen to them after. That would've been hilarious."
"Yeah, my thoughts exactly." Koffing added in agreement.
"Chaw-haw-haw! You're not thinking strategically, you two." Skuntank responded. "Why'd we come here in the first place? The expedition, right?
"Right now, the trick is for us to win over the trust of Wigglytuff."
"I get it now..." Koffing said.
"But... This being a famous guild and all, I was playing it cautiously at first, but it's been ridiculously easy." Skuntank informed. "Wigglytuff's been nothing more than a big baby. He's no big deal. Why everyone's so terrified of him, I don't know. I'm clueless."
"Anyway, if we find treasure while on the expedition..."
"We knock out the guild's crew" Koffing posited.
"Then we snatch the treasure and skedaddle on out!" Zubat added.
"Whoa-ho-ho!" Koffing laughed. "This plan is a sure thing."
"Heh-heh!"
"Chaw-haw-haw!"
Chilly breezes accompanied by a dim and spacious atmosphere, flooded my surroundings. The flooring was hard like stone, oddly enough, I could feel this strange tingling from the hard surface, it was almost like really tiny jolts of electricity. A dreadful feeling of isolation struck me, as far as I could tell, nobody was in sight. The only source of light I I could detect were that of... Glowing, blue rocks...? Out of curiosity, I decided to inspect the rocks, but my body refused to move, it felt significantly weak, especially in my legs, but from what I could see, blue electricity enveloped them.
I had no clue where I was, yet at the same time, I couldn't help but get a strong feeling of deja-vu... Thunder was roaring outside, starting quiet and then ending with an explosive clap... I had to get out of here- Despite not knowing where I am, I had this deep feeling, something bad's going to happen.
All my effort went to moving my legs, it was like invisible, chainballs were attached to my legs, but I still forced myself to move, each footstep became progressively heavier, and heavier, not even my sudden sense of fear could get me going- as much as I want to escape, my body gave in and sat down like a stone!
I couldn't help but feel like something was getting closer and closer... The thunder outside clashed without mercy, much louder than they were moments before. As soon as it came to a stop, the series of growls and snarls filled the area, and it didn't come from just one individual! This was a better time than ever to run back into a cave, but like before, I couldn't move! No matter how much I told my body otherwise! The thunder became even louder, this time, I even saw a flash of lightning... And another... and another... And once again, it stopped...
It became eerily quiet, chills travelled down my spine to the point of involuntary shivering as my anxiety increased in twofold! I was greeted by several faces consisting of fierce, malevolent eyes, with wide mouths and sharp fangs! Before I could react any further, they all lurched towards, me all a once!
"Psst. Wake up."
Speckles of colour impeded my vision as I was woken up by Sunflora, with Loudred, Bidoof and Chimecho accompanying her. And I'm guessing by the time of day as well as the fact Loudred didn't wake me up by shouting that this isn't a duty thing.
As I looked to my left, I saw Shinx fidgeting and squirming, almost as if he was suffering from a nightmare. While Bidoof and Chimecho were contemplating on how to wake him up, Loudred nudged him repeatedly to the point of pushing. However he stopped as soon as he noticed the fidgeting had worsened. Eventually his body sprang up and would've let out a giant scream, had he not quickly recollected where he currently is in reality.
"What are you guys doing here?" Shinx inquired.
Bidoof was the first to explain "Well... We noticed you and John were unfairly punished for not bringing back perfect apples, ya' see. So we decided that we left over some of our food for ya'."
"We got lucky that neither Chatot or Wigglytuff noticed we had our bags with us." Chimecho added. As they mentioned holding bags, they emptied out the contents, a few apples, cold toast and berries. Wasn't much, but it's certainly better than nothing. We gratefully accepted the food that was given to us, the sweet taste of the fruits juices and crusty texture of the toast combined with melted butter sent out an explosion of taste in my tongue.
"Thanks guys." Shinx said as tiny tears trickled down his eyes. "I'm so glad to have friends like you."
"We can all use help when we're down." Sunflora said.
"Every one of us needs to be able to work hard in order to be picked for the expedition. Yup, yup!" Bidoof added.
"I don't know... We're gonna some kind of miracle after what happened this afternoon." Shinx mentioned, probably less pessimistic than it sounded.
"Are you sure about that?" I piped in.
"What do you mean?" He asked
"I don't mean to gloat. But haven't you recalled who was the one that foresaw a time gear being stolen?" I inquired.
"Umm... Xatu?" Chimecho guessed.
"What? No er- oh..." At that moment, I realised I made a major mistake. I wasn't meant to inform the guild members about my vision "Oh, heck with it! Does anyone else remember a few days back at the Mess Hall, when I had that massive blank out?"
Loudred, who hadn't opened his mouth, in fear of letting loose the midnight equivalent of a widespread alarm clock finally spoke. "Who couldn't?" The tone was surprisingly quiet by his standards.
"That wasn't a blank out, it was a vision. And I've had my fair share of them to boot." I explained all of the experiences I had, starting from my encounter with Drowzee and ending with the most recent one, that had so coincidentally happened when everyone was at the Mess Hall.
"Wha-" Chimecho, Bidoof, and Sunflora, almost yelled out, before being ironically shushed by Loudred.
"And don't bother asking about it." I added. "I haven't figured out how it fully works yet. They just happen.
"And another thing. Shinx has been telling me one of you told the residents of Treasure Town, I am, or at least was a human." I informed. "I don't care who was the one that said it, but the whole 'visions' thing. Nobody else aside from Me, Shinx, Chatot, Wigglytuff, the elder Torkoal and you guys know about them, and I want it to stay that way until I tell someone about them otherwise. You got that?"
They all replied with 'yes', except Loudred, he just nodded his head.
"Anyway, thanks for the food and all, but it's late and we should all get to bed." I advised. The guild members agreed without question, and headed to their rooms, after they left, Shinx and I went to bed ourselves.
"UP AN' AT THEM! IT'S MORNING!"
The morning briefing was attended as usual, the guild chanting the same 'RUN AWAY AND PAY' and 'SMILES GO FOR SMILES'. Boy does it never get old! But eh, I've slowly forced myself into doing it, at least they aren't making us a choir in a public area... yet...
"Ahem. One last item..." Chatot declared. "...Tomorrow, we plan to announce the chosen members of the expedition party."
The guild members wowed in glee.
"By golly, the members are finally, gonna be picked!" Bidoof cheered.
"Oh my gosh!" Sunflora exclaimed. "It will be so much fun!"
Yet what I just noticed is Chimecho's not present within the assembly. Where is she?
"...Meaning that this is your last day to make a good impression." Chatot continued. "Work hard and impress us if you want to be chosen.
"All right everyone. Let's get down to work as usual."
A hooray, much louder than ever before, boomed out the mouths of the guild members, as the assembly was dismissed.
"Ah, you two." Chatot called over. "Your assignments today are to take care of listed jobs. We're counting on you." He said. "There's one other thing I must address. It's about the expedition." 'Oh boy, this'll be fun to hear.' "You should give up being chosen as expedition members." So much for saying 'We're counting on you', earlier.
"Huh?! Wh-why?!" Shinx questioned.
"Your failure yesterday weighs heavily. As you know, it is difficult to tell what our guildmaster is thinking from his demeanour... But there's no he must be seething with anger inside." He explained. "It's unlikely that he would bother to choose you for the expedition. So when the time comes to announce the members, don't get your hopes up." 'Pfft, aren't we acknowledging the reason this expedition's being planned in the first place?' "That is all." He said casually, as he headed up to the second floor.
"So much for encouragement, aye." I remarked to Shinx.
"Are you not concerned in the slightest?"
"Nope" I replied. "Even if we're the only two not picked for the expedition, we have the guild all to ourselves." I let out a menacing laugh to which made Shinx a tad confused. "Anyway, if we want to get picked for the expedition, we better do something big, like prevent world hunger or something." I jokingly said as we climbed the ladder to the second floor. The two bulletin boards were bombarded by guild members, leaving little to no gaps between them.
The only exception to this was Sunflora, who had seemingly planned all her jobs ahead. "John! Shinx!" She shouted as we turned to her attention, with worry in her voice. "Oh my gosh! I was meant to go to Labyrinth Cave with Chimecho to get a gabite scale for Ursaring's sick brother, but she got sick too!" She explained. "Everyone else is busy, so I could really use your help."
"Sure, why not?" I replied. "This is just the thing we need after that whole 'Perfect Apple Fiasco'."
"Just let me get ready, and we'll be on our way out." Sunflora told us.
The three of us stood at the Kecleon brothers's market, as Sunflora took into deep consideration on which items she should buy. It was between a special band, a held item which boosts your special attack, or a defence band, for obviously raising defence, or the joy ribbon, which let you gain small amounts of EXP for every time you would take damage... Hold on.
Since Sunflora wanted time, to think on what to buy, she let me take her place so I could have my turn.
"Do you have an item that prevents the user from falling asleep?"
"There are three items that can do that." The green kecleon informed. "Chesto berries, heal seeds, or an insomniscope." I already knew about Chesto berries and heal seeds, and unless I manage to eat them, or slip them under my tongue before the effects of my enemies sleeping move kicked, they wouldn't do much. But however...
"Tell me more about these isomniscopes." I requested. This is just the item I need if Shinx and I get approached by the likes of Skuntank again.
"Sure will!" The green Kecleon replied cheerfully. "They're special glasses that prevent the holder from falling asleep."
"Just remember to not have them on all the time." The purple Kecleon advised, as he connected his sentence with his fellow brother. "Or you might actually get insomnia or just have trouble sleeping."
"Unfortunately for you, we don't have them in stocks." The green kecleon informed. "But we'll be sure to get you some, as your request."
"Yeah, I'll like that. Thanks." I told him.
"What do you think I should pick?" Sunflora asked.
"Huh?"
"What item should I pick? Should I buy a special band or..."
"Well, since you're a sunflora, your greatest stat lies within your special attack. That's if you wanted to take the offensive route at least."
"You know what I will!" Sunflora chimed. I may as well say this now for exposition purposes, but from what I was told at the guild you can't wear two items of the same clothing or they won't work. Apparently, the two items just get disorientated and don't let the effects kick in.
"Thank-you, Sunflora!" The green Kecleon said as Sunflora paid for the special scarf. "We value your patronage!" the scarf was made out of a thin layer of lilac cotton, it was worn much like a bandanna, and had an emblem of three white ripples.
"Well, we can't go to Labyrinth cave without the best of gear!" Sunflora noted. "You know what, I'll also buy the defence scarf, too." She said, as she traded it for more money. The band (once again) looked more like a bandanna as well. This one was white with black polka dots printed on it.
"I thought you said you weren't going to buy it." I said to Sunflora.
"Oh, no. This isn't for me. The gabite at the end of Labyrinth cave is very strong, and I noticed you two aren't wearing a neck item."
"Give it to Shinx." I recommended. "Against this gabite, he's going to need it the most due to the type disadvantage."
Shinx gladly accepted the bandanna as sunflora helped tie it to his neck. I noticed he started to smile a bit more, probably because of the generosity from the other guild members... But as Shinx was smiling with teeth and all, I could've sworn I saw a tiny orange flare materialise around one of his fangs. Was it my imagination?
"Who are those squirts?" Shinx and I turned around and noticed a scyther, sandslash and zangoose (the latter of which looked like the leader) behind, us on the opposing side of the pathway. From the voice's direction, it looked like the scyther was the one that spoke.
"Squirts?" I questioned. "Looks to me like nobody has heard of whispering. And to answer your question: we're Team Tempest; the team that'll turn the tides to your disfavour." Not much of a slogan, but now that I've said it, it's more or less staying. "Except her." I said pointing to Sunflora. "She's not a registered member of our team."
"I'm not?"
"You're Team Tempest?" The Zangoose questioned. "Don't seem that special to me. All I see are a couple of rookies. You think you can really handle Labyrinth Cave?"
"Careful there, mate. Underestimating your enemy can lead to humiliating defeats." I warned him. "I'm confident that we can handle Labyrinth Cave AND the gabite that lives there, without any trouble." While it did come down as admittedly cocky (which frankly isn't my style during the worst times), it was mostly an act to look tough in front of these guys.
As my new founded friend and I had our discussion, Shinx repeatedly nudged me on the leg with his front paw.
"Don't get yourself involved in fights." Shinx said to me underneath his teeth.
"Your friend's right." The zangoose said. "Besides, Teddiursa's sick. And we won't let him be disappointed about somebody else's failure."
"Neither will we." I responded, still keeping the snarky facade.
"I think we've wasted enough time. That's something you would want to avoid as an exploration team." And as soon as he said that, the trio left.
"Do you even know who those pokémon were?" Shinx inquired.
"No, but you're going to tell me they're a team that's not to be messed with." I replied. "And despite how arrogant I sounded, I only said those things so I- we wouldn't come as weak. And that makes you easy targets."
"Yeah, but you're pretty much asking for a fight." Shinx argued.
"Yes, but I probably would've lost regardless. At least if you pretend to be strong, there's the off chance you could intimidate them, or at the very least not make them as confident as they would be IF you'd initially come as weak." I countered. "Anyway, like Kratos the Weasel said. We're wasting time, so we better get going." Sunflora and Shinx both looked at each other confused by my joke... I guess I'll have to find a new way to make jokes that don't relate to non-existent stuff (in this dimension at least).
"Just be careful, okay?" Shinx advised. "We can't blow this chance on being chosen for the expedition. Same for Chimecho, she's relying on us."
The entrance of Labyrinth Cave was ginormous in size, with purplish-blue, crystals emerged from the cave. I wondered why nobody tried to dig some out, to which I asked Sunflora and Shinx exactly that. Apparently, they're stuck so firm into the cave, that even a tyranitar would struggle, to pull it out.
"Stick to the plan John." Shinx commanded. as we entered the cave. And i was starting to think I was the leader.
The interior of Labyrinth Cave was spacious with rock pillars and flooring of light blue that let in and absorb light. Didn't feel much like a labyrinth if I say so myself.
"That's odd..." Shinx muttered to himself. "Even though there's only one entrance. I can see three red dots travelling the opposite side." He noted as he inspected the mini map on the x-ray specs.
"And...?" I inquired.
"I think they're Team Razor Wind." That must be the name of the zangoose's team. "I know this because Wild pokémon don't normally travel in three."
"Don't you remember what Chatot told you about Mystery Dungeons?" Sunflora inquired.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "Nobody told me about 'Mystery Dungeons'."
"Well... Mystery Dungeons are rather odd." Shinx informed. "Most of them have layouts that can change within days."
"Some of them can also put a team in a different part of the dungeon, even if you take the same entrance." Sunflora added
"And assuming what Shinx said about this Razor Wind team is true, we must be in the latter." I noted.
"Could be." Sunflora responded.
It was my turn to use the x-ray specs, and to my surprise I noticed something odd about it. "What's that purple dot in the middle?" I asked Sunflora and Shinx. "The way it's indicated makes me think it's the gabite at the end of the dungeon." Since x-ray specs only show items and enemies and parts of the map you've already been, it was mostly just blankness.
"That's a Boss Pokémon." Shinx informed. "They are the strongest in the dungeon, and usually wait for opponents at the depths."
With that in mind, we proceeded. As our pathway took us away from a spacious and mystifying atmosphere, we came across the likes of what would make one feel claustrophobic we had to let one another through from how narrow it was. The pathway was much more narrow, much like a maze, or better yet, a labyrinth.
As I took closer inspection at the x-ray specs I also noticed that groups of four or three red dots were in various places... Even in front of us where the corridor would theoretically be on the mini map, red dots were grouped on the left and right.
"Shinx, you mind using that x-ray vision of yours?" I asked him.
"Don't mind at all." he replied. Of course I'd let him swap positions with me (as I was in the front), but due to the narrowness, it was difficult to do so.
"Stay to the left." I told him.
"I'm trying!" He responded. "You go to the right!"
The only way for him to get through was if he went over me. I ordered him to do exactly that, as I knelled down, with my paws out and put together. He climbed over without fail.
"Okay, now we got that over with... You see any skeletons or figures through that x-ray vision of yours?"
"There are several Golbat hiding in the holes in the walls." Shinx quietly informed. "They must be waiting for us to pass by."
"Get ready to use Shock Wave." I told Shinx, as he amplified the power of his electric moves with the move, Charge. "You too, Sunflora. Just because I use this warp seed, doesn't mean I'll get rid of all of them; so just use whatever you have" 'Let's just hope this time they actually end up in a different room.' In the green sack attached to my waist, I threw the seed. As it landed on the ground, it released a cloud of smoke. Judging from the fact some enemy dots have ended up on a different part of the map, the seed worked for the most part.
The enemies emerged out of their hiding spot... Too bad they didn't put their type disadvantage in consideration. A blinding flash of electricity briefly illuminated the entire room, as soon as the light dulled down, the golbats were quick to faint.
Like any typical maze/labyrinth, this took a lot of trial and error, if it wasn't for the x-ray specs, we'd be going in circles. Being met with another dead end, I decided to conjure up a conversation.
"So... You and Chatot spoke about this inter-dimensional studies thingy. How do you know all the stuff you do, without any means of dimensional travel? Does Giratina just go on dimensional field-trips and discuss them in class or something?"
"Actually... We don't really know." Sunflora answered.
"You don't?" I questioned again.
"Chatot said it was all in a book... I think. We also don't know who actually wrote it." Sunflora once again answered. "Some of us thought it was just random nonsense a child came up with."
"Yeah," Shinx added. "That was when we saw these strange objects magically appear, like the mattresses for example."
"How would you know it was called a mattress?" I questioned.
"The book." Shinx responded. "They mentioned all kinds of weird stuff in there." Strange... Could this anomaly also be the reason Sunflora and Chimecho found those clothes? Must be. After all they probably wouldn't want to know where leather comes from.
"But, we shouldn't be talking about that now." Shinx dismissed. "A pokémon can attack us if we're not careful."
"Relax." I assured. "These pokémon are no big deal. I know you had the type advantage against those golbats and all, but they went down Wa-aaay too easily. Also, it's my job to tell you all to be careful."
...Then again those golbats had to be at least level twenty or so." (more or less the level needed for zubat to evolve into golbat.) "And we don't know what else is here. So yeah, you're right." Little did I actually know, the pokémon in this dungeon were severely under-leveled, So i guess there isn't much they can do to be a threat.
Speaking of what might be on this very labyrinth: the fin on my head detected motion, alongside two red dots on the x-ray specs being displayed. Due to Shinx being in front of me, I jumped up and fired two Water Pulses. As they hit their targets I noticed they were two nidorinos, only one of them got knocked out, however. The other nidorino hid behind his ally when he saw my attack.
"Don't directly attack them." I told Shinx. "Their poison point ability will poison any foe that comes into contact with them." 'Unless if said foe was a steel or poison type OR had the immunity ability'.
"But don't we have pecha berries, though?" Shinx questioned, to which I ignored, as I let loose another water pulse to knock out the enemy.
"Yes, but it doesn't mean we should deliberately get ourselves poisoned." I told him. "As far as I can tell, this dungeon's probably got a bunch of poison types in here. And it doesn't matter in the slightest if they're as weak as wet paper, they poison us once and we don't have any pecha berries, then we're we as good as-"
"Watch out!" Somehow the nidorino got up on its feet and came ramming up at me with its horn pointed towards me! With little time to react, all I could do was shield myself from the attack, but as I did, I noticed a bowl of green energy surround me, during this brief time, I was left invulnerable. Shinx took advantage of this and used Shock Wave on the nidorino. Gotta remind myself to keep my statements at twenty words or less...
"Erm... Protect ex-machina?" I jokingly commented.
This time I made sure it was down. No more tricks this time. Although I could've sworn it had already fainted. I used Waterfall to leap over the nidorino (good thing these crevices actually have some height to them), not wanting to risk stepping on it and get poisoned. Shinx and Sunflora pretty much done the same and jumped over it.
"Wait a second... This nidorino is holding something" Sunflora told us, we waited for her to pick it up and show us.
"Anything useful?" I inquired.
"...No, it's just a plain seed." She replied. "Although... I think it was a reviver seed. Once you faint faint, the seed somehow releases a scent that restores a fainted pokémon's HP and hunger, after that it becomes a plain seed." Being that the seed was more less useless, Sunflora just simply ate it as it was.
One last lane... Or at least it seemed to be. We're very close to the centre of the maze as we patiently covered a portion of what could've potentially been, well... The pathway to the centre. There were three alternative paths.
"Hmm..."
"What?" Shinx inquired.
"I'm thinking if three of us should spilt up and take the three paths given to us, but frankly splitting up individually could be one of the worst things you could do in this place." I stated. "You still have those rollcall orbs?"
"Yep!" Shinx replied.
"And the communic orbs?"
"Got both of them right here." He said, as he gave me one.
"What about you Sunflora?"
"I have one too!"
"Good." I responded. "Now, here's the plan: you two take two of three of the paths while I sit here and communicate with both of you-"
"You mean you're just gonna stay here?" Shinx questioned. "What will that achieve?"
"Haven't finished." I told him. "I hold this rollcall orb in case one of you get in a dire situation. By what I'm told about this orb it'll warp both of you here. The plan's a tad arbitrary, I admit, But hey, it helps cover more ground... I guess? Still, what do you think of it?
Shinx and Sunflora both faced each other and nodded in agreement.
"Okay, let's do it!" Shinx proclaimed.
Sunflora took the left lane, while I took the right. I kept the communic orb firm in my teeth if the team needed to contact me. It was just as much as a task of not crushing the orb as it was to not get lost.
John said he'd grab hold of the x-ray specs, he said if one of us would get lost, he'd use it to tell us which direction to take.
Oh, my gosh! Travelling alone always makes me nervous! But, I got teammates relying on me, I can't let them down.
It's a good thing I bring chalk with me, without it, I couldn't imagine what would happen. Just the thought of it, already brings shivers down my spine! -Anyway! I scraped the chalk against the wall, drawing white lines for me to follow.
My communic-orb glowed, as a voice came out of it.
"What's the status? Over!"
"We only just separated." Shinx replied.
"Yes, but it's better we communicate as soon as possible." I told him. "For all we know one of you could've landed on a trap or have been ambushed. Both of which happened at Waterfall Cave mind you."
"All fine here, nothing to report!" Sunflora confirmed. "Over!"
"Same here. Over!" Shinx responded.
I sat to myself, on the dungeon's floor, no motion was detected on my head fin, so why bother getting up. Both Shinx and Sunflora made frequent updates whenever something happened, mostly just them getting in fights with wild pokémon, who for the most part were easily handled. Sunflora had a little trouble fighting some golbats and Shinx got poisoned and had to use a pecha berry to heal, but that didn't really give them any hindrance. I noted that outside of being poisoned nothing here posed a true threat, considering Sunflora single-handedly beat a group of golbats which should've easily beaten her given their massive type advantage. Let's just see how much of a challenge this 'boss pokémon' is.
I began questioning how long the three of us were in here for. The Labyrinth has had us going left, right, backwards, forward, it could be night time for all we know, hard to tell from this cave obscuring all of the sky.
Blurriness occurred in my eyes, I knew that a vision was coming, so why fight it?
My subconscious seemed to take me to a different section of Labyrinth Cave, just as big as the part I was in. I looked for some kind of hint to what this vision was telling, but as soon as I caught a hazy figure... Light blue by the looks of it, with bits of black... It's Shinx. No doubt.
The figure fully enhanced once I recognised it, but why here of all places? And what does Shinx have to do with it?
I went ahead of him and noticed an elongated platform that was thin in length, but thick in width. It connected to separate sides of what would've been a trench; much like a bridge. Due to my intangibility, Shinx went right through me, and stepped foot on the bridge. Various sounds were heard throughout the cave, mostly golbat cries and sounds of demolition... Yet it seemed too far away to be related to this, surely...
Shinx himself picked up on the sounds too, he started to look more cautious, though he still proceeded. I followed his steps, as I tried to figure out what it is I'm meant to see.
...Despite how stable this stone bridge looks, something about it didn't seem right, it could be acrophobia talking for all I know, but it feels as if this bridge got weaker for every step I took. I looked down on the platform, and saw no cracks of any sort... 'Maybe, I'm not looking hard enough' Is what I kept thinking, but none of these visions of mine have been particularly subtle. Maybe I just have to wait...
I decided to keep my eyes on Shinx. He seemed to be taking steps as if he was on thin ice... And that's where I saw cracks on the bridge! Although I couldn't see his face the fact he clenched his whole body, indicated he was in a lot of fear! A violent tremor occurred, as the cracks soon opened up and reduced the bridge to rubble! I wanted to scream Shinx's name, but no voice came out...
As my senses came back to reality, my head fin detected motion that was right up to my face! A machop was using their hands to gently steal from my bag. I looked at their direction, and threw a punch at them, only for the fighting type pokémon to block it and jab me in the face! My feet were quickly taken off the floor by a Low Sweep attack, I accidentally dropped the communic-orb as a result. The machop saw this, and threw it as far away from my vicinity as possible, a shattering sound indicated its landing.
Beams of light summoned several more machop, six to be exact. Knowing instantly what orb they used, I immediately got back on my feet and checked my bag for the rollcall orb, only to discover it was missing. In partial frustration, I fired a Water Pulse at the machop who used my rollcall orb, it dodged by performing a back flip and distanced itself from me.
A red aura enveloped the surrounding machops, I immediately knew they were using Focus Energy to raise their critical hit ratio. I better be careful, it's likely that they all know Karate Chop, a move that already has a high critical hit ratio to begin with.
They came charging at me all at once, aiming their chop attacks, as I predicted. I used Waterfall to propel myself off the ground. While airborne I threw a totter seed and fired a Water Pulse from two different sides. Both exploded upon impact; the seed let loose an incapacitating ringing sound that confused one of the machops, the water pulse instantly knocked a machop out on contact, in addition to the splash damage landing on two others.
One down, one confused. I used Waterfall to bounce myself off the ground again, this time in a backwards fashion and firing another Water Pulse, the machop horde read my next attack, and dodged accordingly. The machop who started the whole fight, stood on and leaped off the shoulders of their ally and grabbed me by the leg! Without communicating with the nearby machops, they knew exactly what to do; another machop copied their teammate, and brought me down on the terrain!
I attempted to get back on my feet, only to get attacked by a parry of attacks left and right, jabs to the face in particular made it difficult to fight back! I fired Water Pulses as frantically as I could, but they never met their target! Both my legs and arms were restrained by the machop's feet, limiting my movement. But that's where I found my escape route. Ignoring the constant pain and flurry from the attackers, I let loose a Water Gun attack on leg that trod on my left arm. The force caused the pokémon to trip up, freeing my arm in the progress, I repeated my method of attack, this time freeing my right arm. A machop from behind aimed a karate chop at my head, I blocked it with both of my paws, they were covered with a white aura that helped crush the attackers hand as he shrieked in pain, forcing him to let go and get knocked out by the confused machop that was seemingly aiming for me.
The machops picked up on my escape strategy, before they could restrain me once more, I took out the machop that went for my left arm with a Water Pulse, as well as the one standing on my left leg. At that point I was able to push my body back, and trip up the machop in position of my right leg. I was the first to get back on my feet, once the opposing machop stood back up, it aimed a punch from its right arm, that I successfully blocked with my left hand. I then hooked the fighting type, with a hydraulic punch, that caused major knockback, and sent the machop back on the craggy terrain.
One left, and that was just the machop left in a confused status. A casual pass-by and one push of a waterfall attack was enough to knock it down. Now... Better get to Shinx before it's too late.
This has been the third time in a row that I used the communic-orb to call John, and still no response. Truthfully the only reason I did call for John was because I'm met with two different paths to choose, I considered going left, but I knew John would've told me which path he wanted me to cross.
The I was holding was about to glow. "Oh my gosh! Shinx? Are you there?" Asked Sunflora in an anxious tone.
"...Yeah, why?"
"John hasn't called back from my communic-orb, I'm starting to get worried!"
"He hasn't called me back either." I told her. "What should I do? I feel like I've become lost."
"You wait there, I'll go find him myself."
"How are you going to find your way back?" I asked her.
"Don't worry, I used chalk to draw across the walls... And now that I think about it, I should've given you some..." She mentioned. "But still, I'll be the one to check on him. Over."
I was left staring at the v-shaped lanes, without John giving me instructions, I was contemplating whether or not I should take a path. I didn't want to get lost, but I didn't want to be a sitting ducklett either.
Chills ran through my spine as mild breezes coursed through the caverns, my mind recalled the previous nightmare from last night, imagining those sharp eyes and fangs attacking me in the darkness, which was present since these walls weren't crystallised like the others. John told me not to use flash, he said it'll attract more of the wild pokémon.
With nothing else to do, my ears picked up some strange noise... It sounded like somebody was smashing stone...
The noise came again, this a little louder... 'What was it?' I thought to myself. I heard it coming from my left, so I leaned my ear to the wall, waiting for the sound a third time... With a large bang that felt like a punch to my ear, I backed away and quickly turned on my x-ray vision. The skeletons of a scyther, sandslash and zangoose, were running from an army of golbats, as they crashed through the Labyrinth walls! Without much thought I took the right path and sped up my movement with quick attack.
My mind was too fixated on the sound of smashed stone, and increasing number of golbat cries, so much so, I hit my face against a wall from where I was supposed to take another right! The blunt trauma kicked in, my eyes lost focus, and my mouth tasted tiny bits of blood. My legs grew shaky as the sound of golbats intensified, I tried to run, but only kept tripping over from my own adrenaline! The screeching came closer, my heart beated in rapid one-two beats. I knew that I could never run from them, so I decided to turn around and face... Nothing...?
Luckily for me, Team Razor Wind didn't take the same path, I did. To confirm this, the cries of the golbats, even though i could still here them, began to slowly quiet down. I sighed in relief, and loosened my body, so I could get rid of my concussion, and fast heart-beats. I could no longer hear the sound of walls being smashed, instead I heard the sounds of various grunts, screeches and slashes, seems like Team Razor Wind decided to finally fend off the golbats, from what I could hear, both sides were taking damage, I just hope all those golbats are down before I reach the end of this labyrinth. I began to reach light on the other side, soon enough I was in another giant room, but with a major difference. An abyss, that would've been impossible to cross, had it not been for a stone bridge that connected both paths, a long branch of wood also made it passable, but it didn't seem like the best idea for obvious reasons.
Walking on the bridge, strong breezes blew from the abyss, I didn't even want to look down. Something about it didn't feel right...
Almost there... Stitches put pressure on my stomach, as I forced myself to run with little to no breath... Almost there... My surroundings brightened, as I entered a bigger room of the labyrinth... And there he was, on the platform that held as a means to cross.
"Shinx! Stop!" I ran over to him as quickly as I could, trying not to trip on my own feet from constant goosebumps "Get off the bridge!" The ground began to tremble, knocking me off my feet, the tremors were in a fight between my sense of balance, but that didn't matter, when I used all four limbs to get closer to Shinx. He copied my movements. Knowing, that I shouldn't be directly on the bridge, I reached out my paw for Shinx to grab, as did he! We were a finger tips distance away, the tremors strengthened and put that distance as far away as possible! Cracks emerged from the bridge Shinx laid on! As I last resort, I lunched forward, as I grabbed Shinx's right paw with both of mine, right before the structure decided to collapse!
"...Hold on." I told him, with my voice restraint. Shinx's left paw grabbed onto the cliff edge, I pulled harder; much harder, using strength! Eventually I got him up, and rolled him back onto save ground, recollecting my breath, I remarked: "...And here I am, complaining about the group split up cliché in horror movies... Geez, what. A. Hypocrite."
"What is it with you and these-... Random ramblings?" Shinx questioned, as usual, I replied 'never mind'.
Sunflora arrived out of breath like us. "Oh my gosh, Shinx, John! Are you alright?! What Happened?! Why-"
"Ho- how'd you find us?" Shinx asked.
"I'm a flower pokémon I could sense your electric energy." Sunflora explained. "Still what happened?!" I told her the vision I had of Shinx standing on the collapsing bridge and falling down the trench, after explaining it, Sunflora tightly wrapped us both in a rather uncomfortable hug.
"Don't do anything like that again. How would Guildmaster and Chatot react?!"
"Yeah... Okay..." I replied awkwardly . "...Can you let go now?" She kept us held firmly, letting us go, only after a minute or so. Seeing the minimap on the x-ray specs, all we had to do now was find another way across this trench, and we're at the centre of the labyrinth.
Shinx's eyes turned to a tree-sized log of wood, that filled in the trench gap. "Looks risky, but that log's our best bet, of getting across." I told them.
"No." Sunflora quickly injected. "I'm not letting you take any more risks."
"There's probably more to it then you think." I told her. "Have you seen a single tree, or even a piece of wood in this cave?" I inquired. "Some pokémon probably place it there because they knew the stone bridge would be a trap."
"Can't imagine what happened to those who tried to cross it." Shinx said.
"Ahhh! I don't even want to think about that!" Sunflora squealed.
"Guys, focus." I commanded them. "Since I don't have my rollcall orb anymore, some machop used it, long story. Do any of you have a spare?"
"I do." Sunflora confirmed.
"Thank goodness. Should another earthquake come, or if I fall down, you must use that rollcall orb as soon as possible."
"Will do." She said.
"Good." I laid down on my front, whilst on the log, my four limbs spread apart, to get a good grip on it, I used my limbs to shimmy my way forward, the bark was rich with moss, luckily none of it was wet. My eyes were fixed primarily on my arms, it put me in a position where I'd be looking down... Needless to say, if I still had sweat glands, I'd probably make a cup's worth of it... Gross.
With my acrophobia kicking in, nothing but negative images could be made while travelling across the log. One involving the log snapping in two, another being an earthquake and Sunflora not using the orb in time... A harness could really help in this situation.
My legs grew shaky, I was closer to the end, thank Arceus. Unknown to me at the, time, Sunflora dug through her bag looking for something, as if she only just remembered she had it.
I made it to the end, as expected, I thought Sunflora and Shinx would follow after me, but Shinx in on of her arms, Sunflora travelled towards the other end as if they could fly... What?
"Oh my gosh, I just realised I had a pounce orb." Sunflora explained. "It lures you to what ever wall it's directed at."
"Are you kidding me right now?" Lost for words, I almost felt the need for cursing, but brushed it off. "Tut, doesn't matter now, let's just get this all over with."
Welp, here we are; the entrance to the gabite's chamber, a number of fainted golbats were spread across the room. One of the walls had a circle shaped hole in it, from what I could guess, Team Razor Wind used Rock Smash to make shortcuts out of the labyrinth, yet forgetting smashing creates loud noises, and nothing seemed to attract a horde of golbats more, than a loud expedition crew. Zangoose, Scyther and Sandslash were standing in front of it, battered and bruised. I walked up to them and decided to start a conversation, I could probably know a bit about this gabite, moves, strategies, e.t.c.
"You seemed to have taken a beating." I told them. "-That wasn't me being snide, I was just pointing it out."
"And?" Zangoose asked, seemingly rhetorically.
"Just thought you might know something about this Gabite." I responded. "We got enough sitrus berries for all three of you if you want to help take him on."
"In terms of advice..." Zangoose spoke. "The gabite came at us with physical moves, Dragon Claw, Slash, and I think Dual Chop, he was really quick."
"It was pretty easy to know what he was using, when he shouted it out." Sandslash added.
"Whenever we hit him, with kicks or claws, we'd get this sore feeling, his skin must've been rough." Zangoose mentioned.
"Well, that confirms he has the rough skin ability." I noted.
"Also, the gabite only challenges one team at a time." Zangoose informed. "He's already seen us, so we know he won't let all six of us fight him."
"He doesn't approve of surprises, either." Sandslash mentioned. "No items, no sneak attacks, overall, no cheating."
"Got it. Thanks." I told them.
"Don't mention it." Zangoose responded.
Before we entered the gabite's chamber, I discussed our battle strategy. "So here's the plan:" I told Shinx and Sunflora. "Each of us will serve a vital role in taking down this gabite, since he's a ground type, no electric moves will effect him, so it's important that Shinx serves his role as being a distraction."
"A distraction?" Shinx questioned.
"There isn't much you can do that would harm him. You have Quick Attack, that alone makes you faster than both of us, and most likely the gabite. You also have Flash, use it to disorientate him and lower his accuracy. And even if you get hit, that defence scarf should nullify a good fraction of the damage."
"What about me?" Sunflora inquired.
"Your species, specialise in special attack." I told her. "While I face off gabite and act as bait, alongside Shinx, you use your special attacks to hit him at a distance. Do you know Solarbeam?"
"As a matter of fact, I do."
"That's good. While you charge your Solarbeam, the gabite will be too busy fighting us. You aim your attack just right, and you could deal a massive amount of damage; maybe even knock him out in one hit, with that special band of yours. It'd be even better if you knew Sunny Day."
"I don't, sorry."
"Well, we'll just have to work with what we're given. Bare in mind this gabite has the Rough Skin ability. Any direct contact, will inflict a small amount of damage on you, so if you can, primarily stick to far-ranged attacks." After discussing my strategy, I asked Sunflora and Shinx if they fully understand what I want them to do, they both nodded. With that out of the way we dropped our bags at side, and entered the gabite's chamber. The oblong layout gave it the impression of a stadium or colosseum, grass grew on the surface, alongside multiple amethyst, the dragon pokémon stood above us, on a high ledge, attached to the wall, at the far end of the chamber. Several chests were scattered across the pit, from what I could assume, they seemed to be items.
"Another team to fight for one of my scales?" The gabite questioned.
"Please, we need two of your scales." Shinx begged. "Our friends back at Treasure Town have become ill, they need it."
"That kind of sob story is no concern to me." The gabite dismissed. "It's always the same with you challengers. 'Give me a scale! Give me scale!'" He whined mockingly. He jumped off the platform, securing the landing with his kegs firm and spread. "Why don't you fight for it, and prove yourself worthy." He held out his claws, poising himself for battle.
"Remember what I told you." I said to my team, using Waterfall to jump up high, while firing a Water Pulse.
The gabite dodged it, leaping upwards and preparing himself for attack. "Dragon Claw!" He shouted. Shinx took that as his cue to intercept with a Quick Attack, head first. Shinx felt the coarse skin of the gabite, as he landed his attack, he recoiled in pain. "Dual Chop!" The land shark struck Shinx, with a strike up the chin, and a second at the stomach. I retaliated with another Water Pulse. This one landed, and pushed the gabite straight to the ground, before the gabite got up, Shinx blinded him with Flash, and ran around him with Quick Attack. Meanwhile Sunflora's face glowed yellow as she charged her Solarbeam.
I knew I had to distract the gabite, Shinx did too. I jumped around with Waterfall and fired more Water Pulse, even when blinded by Flash the Gabite still managed to dodge our attacks.
"Sand Tomb!" The dragon type expelled a cluster of sand at Shinx, making contact with his body as a result. The cluster turned into a vortex, trapping Shinx in the progress! His attention turned to me.
"Dual Chop!" He aimed for my left cheek, the swing came out sloppy due to his accuracy loss. I pushed him away with a hook to the chest, using Waterfall, the attack hurt my paw, but it was worth it. "Sandstorm!" The gabite withdrew his arms from an X stance, and released what was said in the attack's name... I hate sand.
Being pelted by the storm, I found it difficult moving! My fin detected motion at the last minute, as a chop was dealt at the back of my head! The sandstorm had made it harder to see him, he must also have Sand Veil as his ability.
Using only my motion sensory, I managed to predict a Slash attack that I blocked with protect, I returned fire with Water Pulse. Whether or not it hit it's target was unclear. Although the storm gave a dusty impression, I could still see light from Sunflora's Solarbeam charging... My entire body focused on the head fin, as soon as my mudkip sense kicked in, I dodged a chop attack, swung at me vertically and another horizontally. The gabite revealed himself amongst the sandstorm.
That was my cue! I quickly grabbed both of his arms using Strength, ignoring the increasingly soar pain on my paws. As soon as I got Gabite aligned with the solar light, I pushed him forward with a Waterfall attack from both of my paws. A massive beam of solar energy struck the gabite as he cried in pain.
The sandstorm subsided, and I could clearly see the gabite, Sunflora, as well as Shinx, who looked as if he struggled to keep up with the Sandstorm and Sand Tomb combination. Although injured, the gabite still got back on his feet. The sandstorm must've weakened Solarbeam's power.
Sunflora charged another Solarbeam, the gabite ignored her in favour of attacking us first. Shinx ran round the dragon pokémon, attempting to blind him even further with more Flash attacks. The gabite attempted to shield his eyes from the light, by covering them with the fins on his arms, I jumped over the circle Shinx ran around using Waterfall, I fired a Water Pulse which successfully hit. The pressure was on! Now that I got in on the action, the gabite was forced to keep his eyes open. He threw multiple dragon claw attacks at me which I easily dodged from how hasty and unfocused they were, the key now is to get him tired. Still attempting to scratch me, he began to lean forward, leaving his vulnerable. I conjured up a bowl of water, and slammed it against the gabite's head, forcing him to the floor.
Trembling occurred throughout his entire body, from what I could guess he seemed to have a sudden adrenaline spike, which cast him in a fit of rage! This time he wasn't playing dumb, he grabbed the neck of my jumper, and slammed my entire body against the ground, face first! Shinx attempted to intervene, only to get hit by a Dual Chop attack to the head and face! I tried getting up, but my paws felt sharp pain from the pressure, looking at them now, they were bruised red!
He seemed to be grinning at something; something I didn't notice. He held the back of my collar and raised me up in front of my, as if I was a mannequin doll. Now I was facing the same glowing light, Sunflora was emitting, her face looked as if she wanted to cancel the attack, but she already stored to much energy! She immediately screamed in horror, as the beam was fired! I saw my whole life flash in an instant, as the laser attacked my entire body at full force! It burned! After the attack ended, the gabite tossed me aside and turned his attention to Sunflora.
"Attract!" He shaped his small claws into a heart shape, in the process, he created a yellow heart, and blew it at Sunflora. It circled her, until colliding into her forehead and disappearing. Her cheeks turned rosy as she tried to turn her attention away from the gabite, but found something about him too alluring.
"Oh my gosh! Now that I've had a good look at you, you're kinda cute!"
"Oh, come on! You're not even part of the same egg group for crying out loud!" I shouted. The gabite turned to me, and didn't even bother finishing me off, he seemed to be readying his next attack. Only now I noticed I could still get up! The pain in my muscles screamed for me to stay down, I refused. I'm not letting myself lose another battle, Chimecho and Teddiursa need me!
Shinx noticed that I got back up, I wasn't too focused on his face, but I could tell he was surprised. Neither of us needed to communicate in order to understand what we needed to do. Before the gabite could land a Dragon Claw on Sunflora, Shinx rammed him at full force with Quick Attack, catching him off-guard.
My arms in particular ached the most, even so, I brushed it off, for the sake of winning this fight. My Torrent ability activated, thanks to my low health. It's all or nothing now! The water strongly flowed within me! I positioned myself in a way athletes would, when preparing a race. I pushed the water against the floor, as hard as I could, propelling me towards the gabite! I held both my paws which also had water flowing through it! The impact sent us both flying! The gabite flew and skirted across the floor, as I flew high and simply landed hard on the floor.
Sunflora's infatuation wore off. She saw the state I was in and quickly rushed to aid. I pointed to the gabite for Shinx, he knew I wanted him to check on the boss pokémon to see if he's actually fainted.
"Oh my gosh, John! Are you alright?!"
"Chimecho owns me some cookies for doing this for her." I told her half-jokingly.
"What?!" Sunflora questioned, confused.
Shinx came back to us, and told us the good news. The gabite had been knocked out. We won!
Still... How on earth did I survive a full-body blow from a Solarbeam...?