Theme Song
A new region, and new friends (Gray's Kanto team disappears and is replaced by Comis, Acer, and Ferus)
Who will be there till the end (Comis swoops past the screen, Acer shoots a Bullet Seed, and Ferus uses Ember)
The goal is the same (Gray stares out at Indigo Plateau)
Can you attain fame? (Gray envisions herself as a champion alongside the Johto Elite 4)
Let it go(2x)! A fresh new start! (A boy and a girl run over to Gray)
The loss stings(2x), it sits in your heart! (Fortis collapses in front of Marcus' Garchomp)
You'll move on(2x) go play your part! (Gray finds herself standing across a battlefield from an unfamiliar person)
The past will collide with the future... (Gray stands with her Kanto and Johto teams while posing for a picture)
Pokemon!
What's going on, everyone? Time for the start of the Azalea Arc, and Gray's first interaction with Team Purity (in Johto) will come up later on! Going back to last chapter, Deus basically went over the plan that she installed back in Kanto, and that's it. This chapter will be Gray's third rival battle, and her opponent is going to be really tough. Now, let's get going!
Thanks to MCMXCV for the submission of Savannah!
Defender31415: Yeah, it's about time they did! I have a bunch of different points where they could really start to shake things up, and it won't be decided for a little while because of some awesome ideas that I'm sharing with some other people
ShadowDragon9000: I hate Tobias with a burning passion. When their arc comes around, I think it'll be crazier than the Grim Arc, because there won't be as many fillers, and a lot more battles. And I think I'll end up giving her two, or maybe I'll try to come up with something that's similar to Mega Evolution
jail251: I think it could be a really cool idea, if I decided to do it, because there are some Pokemon I feel deserve Mega Evolutions while others (Garchomp, Metagross, Tyranitar, Salamence) really didn't need it, because they're already so fricking good!
Martyn (guest): Sorry, I'm not in the market for friends. And that's a pretty poor persuasion tactic, just so you know. There won't be anything about Gray gaining/losing weight or having phobias of Pokemon because they almost kill her, but thanks for the idea(s)
Blaze Falcon: Thanks! I really need to find a way to make their chapters longer, because the next one about them is also incredibly short, but I guess that won't be an issue when the Purity Arc gets started. In regards to your question, the Mega Evolution would be created for either Durus or Fortis for a few reasons, which I can't discuss without spoiling stuff (I'll PM you). And you're right that it is Savannah!
Valerie-senpai (guest): Acer could definitely get a Mega Evolution, but Ferus isn't the most likely to get one, because there are still six other Pokemon from Gray's Kanto team, and (eventually) five other Pokemon on her Johto team
Gray's team
Durus, (f), level 53, Power Gem, Feint Attack, Bite, Metal Claw, Pay Day*, Slash* - (Persian)
Comis, (m), level 20, Poison Sting, Harden, Sand Attack, X-Scissor, Quick Attack*, Feint Attack* - (Gligar)
Acer, (f), level 15, Mega Drain, Headbutt, Bullet Seed, Stun Spore, Leech Seed* - (Shroomish)
Ferus, (m), level 17, Ember, Leer, Howl, Smog, Roar*, Bite* - (Houndour)
"Falkner said the Gym Leader specializes in bug types, right?" Comis asked Gray as he rested on top of his trainer's head.
They, along with Durus, Acer, and Ferus, were walking along Route 32 and heading towards Azalea Town, which was where the next Gym was located. The previous night featured a battle, and victory, against Silver and the three Johto Pokemon were stoked. They had yet to lose a single battle, and were keen on keeping things that way.
"That's right," Gray answered with an upbeat tone. "But types don't matter much when you go up against Gym Leaders. Remember, Acer beat Falkner's Pidgey," Gray reminded Comis, who nodded.
"Of course the firs two Gyms have type advantages against me, though," the Shroomish muttered while shaking her head. "At least you two have advantages against this one."
Durus rolled her eyes at the lack of attention paid to Gray's comment, and the three younger Pokemon continued to talk about the upcoming battle, along with how their types would play a major factor. However, they did have a point: Types did play a fairly large role in determining who had the edge in battles, just not who would win.
"All I know is that I'm gonna burn those bugs to a crisp," Ferus proclaimed while sticking his head towards the sky proudly, making Acer and Comis laugh along with Gray and Durus.
Durus stopped laughing, however, and began to sniff the air. Gray turned her attention to the feline and watched as Durus started walking away while still sniffing rapidly.
"Hey! Where are you going, Durus? Azalea Town's this way!" Acer shouted. She quickly turned to Ferus and gave him a confused look, but the fire type began sniffing the air, and he followed after Gray's first Pokemon. "Oh not you, too!"
"Comis, could you go check out what they're looking for?" Gray requested as Ferus and Durus disappeared into the tall grass.
Eager to serve his trainer, Comis took to the air and began circling his teammates before his eyes settled on two figures that weren't Durus and Ferus. Suddenly, the two figures met the two Pokemon, and there was a bit of rustling in the grass, making Comis worry before he started screaming to Gray.
"They're over here! I think they're attacking something!"
Without needing to hear another word, Gray bolted into the grass with Acer following close behind, and they eventually reached Durus and Ferus. Once they did, Gray was suddenly embraced by something, and she tried to break free of its grasp. Acer saw her trainer struggling and immediately attacked the thing holding Gray, but her effort went in vein.
"Calm down, Gray! It's us!" a familiar voice shouted, stopping Gray's flailing.
Suddenly, Savannah appeared from the tall grass and smiled at Gray, who tried to turn around to see her captor. Once she was put on the ground, Gray saw that the thing that had hugged her was Savannah's Wigglytuff.
"So what brings you here to Johto?" the petite redhead inquired as she and her Wigglytuff tried finding their way out of the grass.
"I figured I'd try competing in another league. What about you?" Gray asked after she, Savannah, and their Pokemon escaped the tall grass. "Have you caught any new Pokemon?"
"Well, since Marcus beat us we figured we'd give try to win another league, so I guess we're in the same boat, haha. And I've only caught two, but Wigglytuff's gonna stick around, so I have three. Are you doing the same with Durus?"
"No," Gray said as she shook her head, making Durus frown. "I wanted a fresh start, so I only brought Comis along. And these are my other Pokemon: Acer and Ferus," Gray continued while pointing at her Shroomish and Houndour, respectively.
"Nice to meet you," the Pokemon said in unison while bowing at Savannah, who bowed in response.
"It's nice to meet you, too. Now come on out!" the girl yelled while tossing two Pokeballs in the air.
Once they reached their apex, they opened and two creatures materialized from the white light. A strange ghost that had a red necklace and wavy hair floated around Savannah, while a pink bulldog glared at Ferus intimidatingly.
"Wow. A Snubbull and Misdreavus?" Gray asked in shock, knowing both Pokemon were fairly hard to come by, or, at least that's what she thought.
"That's right. And they helped win our first badge. Isn't that right, guys?" Savannah quizzed excitedly, a growing smile on her face.
The enthusiasm wasn't matched by her Pokemon, however, and she was left looking like an idiot while Misdreavus continued to hover around her, and Snubbull and Ferus began to growl at each other. Gray quickly intervened by picking Ferus up and holding him in her arms, refusing to let him down.
"You need to chill out, Ferus. Snubbull hasn't done anything to you," Gray ordered.
"No way! That prima donna's looking for a fight, and I'll give him one!" Ferus snapped as he continued to glare at Snubbull, who was laughing up until he heard Ferus' harsh words.
"Oh really? Come get some!" Snubbull shouted, enraging Ferus.
Before he could move, Ferus was stopped by Durus, who raised her paw at him as a warning. Angrily, he stopped growling, and Gray placed him on the ground gently. Snubbull, meanwhile, was grabbed by Wigglytuff, and the stronger Pokemon began to scold her fairy type brethren.
"Hold on a second, Wigglytuff," Savannah told her first Pokemon, who stopped screaming at Snubbull. "Why don't we have a battle? I mean, we didn't get to face off at the Indigo League, and we're both traveling through Johto, so how about we let our Pokemon settle this the old fashioned way?"
Gray quickly looked at her three younger Pokemon before nodding at Savannah's proposal with an anxious grin.
"Sounds good! How about a best of three battle? Durus hasn't been in a battle yet, and Wigglytuff's more than capable of taking a few hits."
Durus smirked at her rival while the fairy type contemplated the idea.
"I'm all for it. What about you, Wigglytuff?" Savannah asked.
Ater a moment, Wigglytuff nodded.
000
Both Savannah and Gray stood tall while their Pokemon were by their sides, and they waited for Comis, who was acting as the referee, to begin the match.
"This will be a best of three battle between Gray and Savannah, where each trainer will choose a new Pokemon after the end of every battle. In order to win the battle, one side must win twice! Now, choose your Pokemon!"
"Ferus, I choose you!" Gray shouted as she pointed forwards.
With glee, Ferus ran a few steps and stopped to lower himself to the ground while snarling.
"Snubbull, get out there!" Savannah yelled as she looked down at her Pokemon.
Slowly, Snubbull walked forwards and began barking at Ferus, who snapped his jaws in response, creating a wave of tension. Not wanting to delay the battle any longer, Comis looked at both sides and raised his arms in the air.
"This battle will be between Ferus and Snubbull! Begin!"
"Snubbull, charge and use Headbutt!" Savannah demanded while pointing at Ferus, who continued to snarl at his pink opponent.
With a sudden burst of acceleration, Snubbull sprinted towards Ferus and dove into him like a spear. The result of the collision was Ferus being sent rolling backwards while Snubbull held his head in pain before shaking it off and barking at Ferus once again. When he got up, Ferus glared at the fairy type, but stopped to glance back at Gray and nod.
"We're not gonna back down! Ferus, Ember!"
Ferus reared his head back while inhaling dramatically, and he exhaled. A sudden wave of fire bullets was sent flying towards Snubbull, who nearly fell over in shock at the attack. Savannah, meanwhile, kept her cool and nonchalantly brushed her hair out of her eyes before issuing a counterattack that caught both Gray and Ferus off guard.
"Dodge it and use Ice Fang on Ferus' leg!"
Snubbull reacted at light speed and jumped over the bullets of fire as his teeth extended and began to glow an icy blue. After charging, Snubbull dove towards Ferus and chomped down on his front right leg, making the fire type howl in pain before he heard Gray's voice.
"Counter it by using Bite on Snubbull's ear!"
Without hesitation, Ferus angrily chomped down on Snubbull's right ear. As soon as that happened, Snubbull stopped biting Ferus, and he began to whimper as Ferus shook his head violently in an attempt to disorient his fairy type opponent. Savannah, meanwhile, watched the sight from afar and struggled to think of a maneuver that could free Snubbull.
"Urgh... Smash Ferus with Headbutt!"
Comis turned away from the sight right after Snubbull smashed his head into Ferus' face, sending the fire type flying through the air before he smacked against the ground in front of Gray while whimpering.
"Give 'em another Ember, Ferus!" the brunette commanded, not hearing Ferus.
Somehow, Ferus managed to get back on his feet and he unleashed another series of fire bullets, which struck Snubbull and pushed him along the dirt road.
"Run through it and use another Headbutt attack!" Savannah countered after seeing Ferus expression turn to one of weakness.
Snubbull put his head down and charged through the bullets of fire, taking them head-on. After powering through, Snubbull slammed his head against Ferus', instantly knocking the fire and dark type out cold.
"Ferus is unable to battle! Snubbull is the winner!"
"Great effort out there, Ferus. You deserve a long rest," Gray said as she zapped her Houndour back inside his Pokeball. "It looks like you've still got it, Savannah," the brunette joked, making her rival laugh as Savannah withdrew Snubbull.
"You're not too shabby yourself," the redhead shot back before looking at her Misdreavus and smiling. "It's your turn."
"Acer, I'm counting on you," Gray informed the grass type as she walked forwards and squared off with Misdreavus, who gave a look of disgust.
"Why do I have to battle someone so ugly?" the ghost asked her trainer, who deadpanned before yelling at Misdreavus.
Acer, meanwhile, stared daggers at Misdreavus, and Comis rolled his eyes at the whole situation and decided to get the battle started as quickly as possible so that he didn't have to hear Acer yell at Misdreavus.
"This battle will be between Acer and Misdreavus! Begin!"
"Misdreavus, burn Acer with Will-O-Wisp!"
"Destroy the flames with Bullet Seed and then use Stun Spore!" Gray countered immediately.
Misdreavus hummed a ghostly tune as three balls of purple fire appeared around her body, and she grunted once they were flung at Acer. The Shroomish, meanwhile, opened her mouth and fired a series of solar bullets at the balls of fire. Each of the three were blown up, creating a small cloud of smoke that Acer used to her advantage. While Misdreavus and Savannah looked around for the grass type, Acer hopped out of the smoke and shot several yellow spores at Misdreavus. The attack landed, and the ghost was paralyzed, prompting Gray to pump her fist enthusiastically.
"Damn," Savannah muttered before regaining her composure. "Blast Acer away with Night Shade!"
Misdreavus obeyed her trainer's command and fired a blade of black energy at Acer. The attack landed and sent Acer bouncing along the ground, but she managed to land on her feet just in front of Gray, who let out a sigh of relief before throwing her left arm out to her side.
"Stay strong, Acer! Mega Drain!"
Acer stomped on the ground in response to her trainer's command, and a green tornado suddenly appeared. The spiraling body of energy sped along the ground and headed right towards Misdreavus, who waited for Savannah to issue a counterattack.
"Dodge and fire a Psywave!"
Savannah was too late, however, and Misdreavus was trapped inside the Mega Drain attack. Once the attack ceased, the tornado broke apart into little balls of green energy, and they floated back to Acer and disappeared when they made contact with her body. After each sphere disappeared, Acer looked to gain a bit of health, making Savannah frown while Misdreavus panted.
"Nice job, Acer! Now let's finish this off!"
"Not on our watch, Gray! Misdreavus, use Psywave!" Savannah shouted, cutting her rival off.
Misdreavus' eyes suddenly flashed light blue, and she fired several rings of blue energy at Acer, who narrowed her eyes and prepared to evade the incoming psychic attack.
"Dodge it and use another Bullet Seed!"
Acer suddenly shot straight into the air and managed to avoid being struck by the psychic type attack, frustrating Savannah and her Misdreavus. Then, Acer reared her head back and unleashed another wave of solar bullets, which pummeled Misdreavus and sent her crashing into the ground. Once the attack stopped, Comis ran to Misdreavus' side and threw his arms in the air.
"Misdreavus is unable to battle! Acer is the winner!"
"Way to go, Acer!" Gray cheered while hugging her victorious Pokemon. "You did a great job!"
"Thanks!" Acer replied, not knowing what else to say as Gray placed her on the ground and looked over at Savannah, who had just withdrawn her Misdreavus.
"It all comes down to this," she said loud enough for Savannah to hear, making the shorter girl nod as both Wigglytuff and Durus walked forwards. "Come out, Ferus," Gray muttered as she released Ferus from his Pokeball so that he could watch Durus battle.
"I've been itching to battle you again, Durus," Wigglytuff said to her rival, who grinned and nodded in response.
"Me too. Now let's see who's stronger!"
Taking the cue, Comis stepped forwards and raised his arms in the air excitedly.
"This battle will be between Durus and Wigglytuff! Begin!"
"Wigglytuff, start with Play Rough!"
After stomping on the ground repeatedly, Wigglytuff was engulfed in light pink aura, and she took off like a rocket. While Wigglytuff continued speeding towards Durus, Gray calmly thought over her options before punching the air energetically.
"Counter it with Slash, Durus!"
Durus wound back and delivered a wicked blow to Wigglytuff, spiking the fairy type straight into the ground. Ferus, Acer, and Comis, who were sitting off to the side, all stared in shock before looking over at Gray. She was too focused on the battle to notice the looks she was receiving, and it almost seemed as if she had turned into a completely different person, given the fact that she was commanding such a strong Pokemon.
"Jump back and use Thunderbolt!" Savannah shouted, snapping the spectating Pokemon out of their thoughts.
Wigglytuff suddenly launched herself off the ground with the help of her ears, and she was enveloped in yellow energy. After grunting loudly, a zigzagging bolt of electricity surged towards Durus and zapped her. Surprisingly, she showed no signs of fatigue and looked back at Gray with a confident expression plastered on her face. The two nodded, and Gray watched as her starter sprinted forwards.
"Use Feint Attack to get in close and then land a Metal Claw attack!"
Smirking, Durus lunged at Wigglytuff. Seeing this, Wigglytuff attempted to punch Durus and send her flying back, but the feline disappeared into thin air, making Savannah and her starter jump in shock. Suddenly, Durus reappeared in front of Wigglytuff as her claws extended and looked like they had turned to metal, and she slashed at Wigglytuff violently. When the attack landed, Wigglytuff was sent rolling along the ground, but she got back up rather quickly and charged at Durus.
"Answer right back with Superpower, Wigglytuff!"
Wigglytuff flexed as she was surrounded in crimson aura, and she unleashed a wicked right hook, sending Durus spiraling through the air before she crashed into the ground without bracing herself. Once again, Comis, Acer, and Ferus watched in awe as the two Pokemon before them exhibited unreal strength and battling prowess.
"Durus, are you okay?" Gray asked in concern as her starter struggled to get back on her feet.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine," Durus answered once she stood up.
"Good. Now use Power Gem on the ground in front of Wigglytuff!"
Nodding, Durus quickly closed her eyes while the jewel on her head began to glow, and she fired several blasts of white energy right in front of Wigglytuff. The attacks exploded on contact with the ground, and a cloud of dust shot up around Wigglytuff, blinding the fairy type. Then, all of a sudden, Durus sprung forwards and slashed Wigglytuff across the chest with another Metal Claw attack, dealing even more damage to the already fatigued Pokemon.
"That goes to show just how strong their bond is," Acer commented while sitting next to Ferus and Comis, both of whom nodded like idiots as they kept their eyes glued to the battle.
"Blast the ground with Ice Beam and then use Mega Punch!"
After pushing herself up, Wigglytuff opened her mouth and shot a light blue beam of zigzagging energy at the ground Durus was standing on, and it turned to ice. While Durus tripped over herself in a feeble attempt to maintain her balance, Wigglytuff jumped forwards and reared her glowing white fist back. Once she was close enough, Wigglytuff punched Durus in the face for a second time, sending the feline crashing into Gray, who was knocked over as a result. Somehow, Durus managed to get up before Gray, and even helped her trainer stand, before turning around to face Wigglytuff.
"Hang in there just a little longer, Durus!" Gray said to her starter, who was panting wildly, just like Wigglytuff.
"Wrap this up with Ice Beam!" Savannah shouted while pointing at Durus.
"Pay Day!" Gray screamed in response, punching her fist forwards.
Both Pokemon reared their heads back and unleashed their attacks, which collided before battling back and forth. After seconds of back-and-forth battling between the moves, they exploded and sent Durus and Wigglytuff flying. After the smoke cleared, Comis looked at both sides and saw they were unable to rise, prompting him to throw his hands up.
"Both sides are unable to continue! The battle is a draw!"
"You were amazing, Durus. Thanks for the hard work," Gray said as she helped her starter off the ground and sprayed her with a Full Restore.
"No problem. I just wish I could've won," the feline answered. "I guess I'm just going to have to train as much as I can once I get back to Saffron City."
"Great battle, Gray... and all of you, for that matter," Savannah said while smiling at her rival and the four Pokemon near her.
All four bowed in response, and Savannah let out a sigh before running her hand through her hair.
"Well, I guess I better get going. Azalea Town's really close."
"Wait, you're going to Azalea Town, too?" Comis asked, which was answered with a nod. "So are we! We should stick together until we get there. It's kinda boring being with these guys all the time," the Gligar joked before Ferus knocked him onto his side.
"That's a great idea, Comis. How about it, Savannah?" Gray inquired.
"Why not? We could use some company."
And that's finally done after hours of procrastination. So, Savannah's now in Johto and will travel with Gray for the next chapter or two, but then she'll head off to Goldenrod City. Also, Gray's still undefeated in rival battles! Hazah! Next chapter will be a filler, and that's all I can really say. Till next time, peace out.
Next Chapter: "Gotta Grab a Geodude": As they continue their trek to Azalea Town for their second Gym Battle, Gray, Savannah, and their Pokemon run into a girl, who badly wants to catch a Geodude. Opting to help out, the group soon finds themselves in a battle with quite the pesky Pokemon. Will they be able to help the girl catch the Pokemon she's always wanted?
Azalea Town Arc
Chapter 13: The Forest Champion
Chapter 14: Call Back to Kanto
Chapter 15: Snake in the Grass
Chapter 16: Savage Slowpoke!
Chapter 17: A Rocking Rival Battle!
Chapter 18: Group Bonding
Chapter 19: Buzzing with Bugsy
Chapter 20: Ilex Forest Fight: Ferus vs Farfetch'd!