Chapter 11: Battle at Dewford Gym
With Mr. Briney agreeing to wait for their Gym Challenges and the delivery date some time away, Kiri and Wally spent the next few days preparing. They wrote Vincent, who answered quickly.
'Hi Wally, Kiri.
You really shouldn't need help for Dewford Gym. It's a Fight type Gym and you both have Psychics. Fighters will go down quickly to a Psychic attack. But be careful if they somehow get the first attack; psychics tend to be weak to physical attacks, which Fighters excel at.
I've run into old legends of a devil Pokemon, but I was never too concerned with legends. They have too much fabrications for my tastes. There is some truth to them, but still, I'd rather someone else look into that. Missingno thinks you're hearing about Giratina, an immortal from another world who seeks to conquer this one or Darkai, the spirit of the new moon who causes nightmares. That sounds crazy, but if you're going to run into this thing, be careful.
Good luck (like you'll need it), Vincent.'
Kiri also asked her dad about the devil legend, and he responded with,
'You remember all those stories the old people told? Like the story of the Shedinja who turned a whole town into zombies, or of the Exploud who wanted peace and quiet, but wound up deafening all of his neighbors? That's Lokire, and it sounds like Dusack was talking about him. Unfortunately, he's a master of trickery and deceit.
It sounds like just scary stories to tell around the campfire, but there may actually be such an immortal. And from what I hear, Dusack is an old and respected Abra around Dewford. If he was the one to warn you, I'd take it seriously. He would not be kidding you. I'll ask some friends, but it might take a while. Be careful, sport, and don't accept any gifts that are too good to be true.'
On June 28th, eight days after they had arrived at Dewford and nearly a month since they sent in their applications, Nurse Joy informed them that the Gym was open to challenges again. On the inside of the old building, it was as dark as Granite Cave. The walls of the small entrance area were made of gray stones. A pair of candles in glass lanterns lit the two stone pillars that named the winners of this badge in the past year.
A karate student in a white outfit was waiting for them. "Good morning, challengers," he greeted them. "What are you here for?"
"I'm here for the Mage Challenge," Kiri replied.
"Trainer Challenge," Wally added.
"I see. I'll go up ahead and inform Brawly that you're here. However, the Trainer Challenge takes priority, for a Magic Battle takes time to recover from. So, if you'll go past that door, there is a maze you must pass. The Gym Trainers are hiding in the dead ends and they will challenge you if they spot you. As you defeat them, the lights of the Gym will slowly come back on."
"Ah, all right," Wally said.
"You'll have to wait here until he's done."
She nodded. "I understand."
"Good, then whenever you're ready." He stepped back and vanished.
The green-haired boy put his hand to his chin, then brought out Amigo. "We have a dark maze to pass," he told the Ralts. "Can you help?"
He shrugged. "Maybe. Let's try." They went through the door.
To pass time, Kiri called out Choora. "What're you doing to prepare?"
'I don't think it will be a problem,' she replied. 'I've been studying my Arcane cards.'
"You have an Arcane deck?"
The Kadabra clutched the deck to her chest. 'They are mine. Dusack gave them to me on my first birthday. He has a deck too. He teaches some of us how to use them. But I've been wondering if he really understands them. I notice new things about them today.'
"Like what?"
'Do you know much about Arcane?'
She shook her head.
'You really need the talent for it, but I can show you.' Choora split the deck into three piles, placing them on the arm of the wheelchair. 'There are three sets within an Arcane deck that follow the Psychic tradition.'
"So an Intelligence set, a Willpower set, and an Emotion set?"
'Correct. The Intelligence set contains 18 cards: the 17 types of magic and the Immortal card. The Willpower set contains 52 cards, four suites of thirteen, similar to a deck of playing cards. The Emotion set contains 22 cards of the cycles of life. So that's 92 cards that one needs to understand the symbolism of.'
Kiri picked up the Willpower set. "Wow, that's a lot to memorize."
'There's a system to it. And the pictures on each card will tell you what they mean, if you're good with symbolism and interpretation. That set you have is excellent for getting details. However, you won't know what those details mean until you have the context from the other two sets.'
"Hmm..." She took one and looked at it. It had a picture of five goblets, each one with something different inside. One was filled with jewels, another with flowers, another with a woman, a fourth with water and a ship, and a fifth with sparkling spheres. "So like this, maybe it means that you have a lot of choices?"
'That's the Five of Cups, and that could be one interpretation. But even that lot is easier to read then the Emotion set. It's supposedly a symbolic guide through life and the pursuit of wisdom. Then again,' Choora took that set and searched, eventually pulling out the card of Death. It pictured Giratina with what could be a sunset or a sunrise in the background.
Kiri looked over it. "You'd think it'd be a bad thing, but something about that picture makes it seem like it's not always that way."
'That's exactly it; the Emotion set gives no exact facts. You have to be able to wrap your mind around conflicting and complex ideas. I'm not that good with this set, although my father can manage readings with it. I don't know how he does it.' She put that set down and picked up the Intelligence set. 'This does give you certain facts, yet sometimes is of little use. It will tell you what something is.'
They continued talking about the Arcane cards until the Gym Trainer returned. "The Leader is ready for you. Do you mind if your friend watches?"
"That's fine." She recalled Choora for the moment, then followed the man to a teleportation tile which brought them straight to the Leader's room.
The lighting was dim, arranged in such a way that it was difficult to tell how big the room was exactly. It was effective at mimicking Granite Cave, especially with the irregular granite floor tiles. Even the air conditioning here was designed to be like the cave while sounding similar to faint sea tides.
Brawly was dressed more for a fist fight than a Pokemon battle. "I probably already know," he started with, "but I need to see your ID card."
"Right." She handed it over.
He gave it a quick check before nodding. The white shield and green concentrator orbs appeared, ready for the battle. "My magic came to me from the rough ocean waves and was strengthened in the darkness of Granite Cave. You had best prove equally tough, or you will not win this battle. Machop, be ready!" He summoned his first Pokemon, a tough little humanoid that seemed like it had been hewn from the cave.
"Go Choora!" Kiri called, summoning her newest team member. "Use Confusion," she added while Brawly gave his orders.
However, the Kadabra was soon distracted by something: a black stone the Machop was wearing on a white headband. She teleported over, snatched the headband, then teleported back to Kiri. Angered, the Machop came over and gave her a Karate Chop across her shoulders.
"That isn't what I told you," she scolded her.
'Oh fine,' she replied. Then she pointed to the Machop. "It's green, the walls are green!"
By the side, Amigo said to himself, "Oh, you're supposed to say something confusing to be more effective."
Choora's Confusion spell knocked the Machop out in one shot. While Brawly was summoning his next Pokemon, Kiri whispered to Choora, "You're giving that back."
'If you must.' She handed the black rock to Kiri. 'I'll do something nifty with my cards.'
"You sure?"
'Of course.'
She looked over at the next opponent. He was a chubby yellow Pokemon that she had seen while wandering around Granite Cave the other day, a Makuhita. "Focus yourself," Brawly ordered, while he cast a yellow aura around him. The Makuhita braced himself.
"Okay, go for it," Kiri said.
Choora called out all 92 of her cards and caused them to spin in a ring around her body. After half a second, she knocked one of them out of the ring with her spoon. The Devil card managed to magnify itself; it bore a drawing of a thin yellow-orange hominoid Pokemon with three red and black snakes for tails. Below it were several people enslaved with stone collars around their necks.
"Aw shoot," Choora mumbled as the Devil Hand spell activated. A sparkling black sphere appeared in the center of the battle field and fired off black rays at everyone. Choora was knocked out. The Makuhita stumbled back at the force of the blow, but stayed alert. Both Brawly's and Kiri's orbs were knocked to half-power.
"I've never really liked Arcane Power," Brawly muttered. "Especially when it pulls that."
Thinking quickly, Kiri took out her flame-covered Pokeball. "Billina, your turn." When the Torchic fully appeared, she added, "Your choice."
"Your choice," Brawly echoed.
Interestingly enough, the Makuhita gave a respectful nod. "You grow into a fighter's spirit, don't you?"
Billina bowed to him. "Certainly."
"Have you grown enough? Be ready."
He ran across the ring to her. Heavier than the Machop, he took longer, but he could hit just with his momentum. Billina was a head smaller than him and much lighter, so she easily darted out of the way and gave him a Scratch. It didn't even leave a mark. He brought together his hands and smashed them into her head. She recovered quickly, pecking him in the foot for her next attack. That hurt him a lot, judging from the grimace on his face. So she pecked him on the other foot, causing him to trip and fall flat on his face. This knocked him out.
Billina gave Brawly a quick bow, then hopped over to Kiri's side. "I'm ready," she said quietly. "But the time isn't right to move ahead."
Kiri tossed the black rock back to Brawly. "Sorry, the Kadabra still needs some work."
"It's no big deal," Brawly said, tossing it back. "Stealing hold items isn't an illegal move, although it will probably infuriate your opponent. And according to the League rules, this King's Rock belongs to you. It focuses a Pokemon's spirit and can cause the opponent to flinch, a good thing for physical battles. Now, for your new spells," he clapped his hands.
The Gym became pitch black. Wally tripped over something. Then a glowing symbol appeared in Brawly's hand. It looked like a sun with three rays.
"This is the symbol for Flash. It will produce a light that will illuminate your path anywhere. It can also make your opponent temporarily blind. So the rest of you, brace your eyes. Also, take care of how you think of this symbol. Other spells use something similar to this, so it's easy to miscast Flash."
"Gotcha," Kiri said. She clapped her hands together once to cast Flash. The Gym became light again. It was nice, although she could have used it a few days earlier instead of now.
'Good work." He made a second symbol appeared, like a puff of breath with an arrow pointing up. "The second spell is Bulk Up. It will boost one Pokemon's physical attack and defense for the duration of one battle. Your Guardian could make good use of this spell, but the thing to remember is that she can only cast it on herself. On the other hand, you cannot cast it on your self, but you can put it on any member of your team."
"I see. Billina, let me try on you."
"No problem," she replied, and held still until she felt a successful boost. Then she bowed.
"And as I told your friend, weaker Pokemon will now obey you. As a Mage, this means that any Pokemon weaker than your Guardian." He smiled at them. "You both are doing well; your rise in the League should cause waves of interest. Take care of yourselves and your Pokemon, and you're welcome to visit Dewford anytime."
The trip to Slateport was longer, taking a full night. The city by dawn was grand, like Rustboro. An open air market was right next to the gorgeous beach. Flags and tents waved slowly to the sea breeze. Sandstone buildings glittered in the growing day. But they were interested in the Shipyard on the east side of town.
Inside, a group of scientists, construction workers, and sailors were already at work, discussing a half-built sea vessel inside. It seemed like it might become a submarine. After a moment, Kiri tugged at the shirt of one worker. "Hey mister, we're looking for Captain Stern."
"Stern? I believe he's at the museum right now."
"Okay; where's that?"
"It's just north of here," Wally said. "I've been there once."
They went up to the museum. It was quiet, as the morning was too early for most visitors. Near a display of ocean floor fossils, they found a black-haired man in a white lab coat and wide glasses. "Are you Captain Stern?" Kiri asked.
He nodded. "Yes, that's me. Who are you?"
"Kiri and Wally. But can we get some proof?"
He smiled, thinking this was some joke. "Proof of ID, huh? How's this?" He pulled out his Trainer's Card. It had two badges.
"Okay, that's good. Wally, give him the package."
He brought out the black box. "Right. This is from President Stone of Devon."
Stern looked puzzled, but glad. "Oh, you have the Deep Diver? Odd. But I know Mr. Stone wouldn't send important mail with just anyone. Thanks for getting it to me early."
"And thanks for giving it to me!" a harsh voice said. A red-haired man dressed like a CCP follower appeared from the shadows and tried to snatch the package. Following him was a Mightyena, who howled in a way to frighten everyone.
Kiri recovered first and cast Rock Tomb. "No you don't!"
The red-haired ninja jumped back. "Young Mage, you will regret crossing the true Church," he warned. "This is not the place for a Magic Battle, but someday I'll make you pay. Now I'll be taking these goods."
"No!" Stern called, releasing his own Pokemon. "Roar!"
The freed Gyrados barely fit into the room. She roared loud enough to rattle the glass exhibits. The Mightyena whimpered, then ran away out the door His trainer looked on in despair, then glared at the man and two teenagers. "You..." he seemed to realize what an idiot he looked like, so ran off after his Pokemon.
"Phew," Stern said. Then he looked at his Pokemon. "Back you go; this place isn't big enough for you."
The Gyrados chuckled before retreating to her ball.
"Still, wouldn't have made it without your quick casting," Stern added. He looked at Kiri and saw that she was pale. "You okay?"
"Oh, um, I'm fine. Didn't expect to see that inside."
"Sorry. I'd like to meet you properly, but now that we have this device, there's a lot of work to be done. But I'll remember this. Come to me if you have any questions about the sea."
"Okay, we understand," Wally said. "Good luck with your work."
Stern nodded and ran off to the Shipyard.
"Are you okay, Kiri?"
She put her hands over her face. "Ugh, I'll be fine in a bit. I don't like Gyrados, not since one almost killed me."
"Almost killed you?"
"That's why I'm like this." She put her hands down and shook her head. "Well that's finally done. Can we look around Slateport for a while before we head off to Verdanturf?"
"We've still got a ways to go to get there," Wally said. "Mauville's on the way; there's a Gym there."
"You want to get a third badge before meeting up with your aunt?"
He smiled. "Sure, why not?"
Back outside, Billina called herself out. She chirped firmly. "Kiri, could we... go over there?" She looked off to the lighthouse.
"Hmm?" Kiri looked at Wally. "I think she wants to talk to me."
Billina nodded.
"Okay. I'm going to look at the market over there."
"Sure." When he walked off, she looked back to her Guardian. "Okay, let's go."
They went over to the lighthouse, a tall white structure that looked like a chess pawn. There, Billina bowed to Kiri. "It's time."
"What's up? Should I get Choora?"
The Torchic shook her head. Then she summoned a bright ring of orange fire. Everything around them seemed to darken, but other people didn't notice. This time when she spoke, Kiri found that she could understand the chick Pokemon clearly.
"I came to grow with you and as you improve, so shall I. You were given a task of great importance, but also a strong temptation of curiosity. You have followed through with responsibility, completing the delivery safely and ahead of time while not peeking in at it and breaking your honor."
"It was taken from us at one point."
"Yes, but you retrieved it immediately. Also, you have proven the depth of your heart in taking in a misfit Pokemon to be trained into honor. It will be difficult, but I see your determination to see her through. Therefore, it seems the right time for me to grow as well." She bowed her head and closed her eyes. "Great Moltres, mother of my kind, I seek the power to further help my partner. If you find us worthy, please send me your blessing."
The fire then drew in on both of them. Kiri felt her mana focus as it must have when she first earned this magic, building her concentration and power. Surrounded in flames, Billina shot up two feet in height. Her wings grew more like strong arms with long yellow feathers and her legs became nimble and strong. As Vincent had suggested, a Combusken more like a fighter.
When the fire was absorbed, Billina clucked, once again without Kiri understanding. "Thanks you, Moltres. I will serve well."
"Thanks to Moltres," Kiri said with respect. "Let's go find Wally."
He was at the stall of a traveling merchant, looking through a small basket of bookmarks. "You look great, Billina," he said when they came up. "So you must approve of how Kiri's doing."
She nodded. "That's how it goes."
"What're you shopping for?"
"I'm just looking at these for now, but I might get one." He pulled three out of the basket. "Vincent and I have always exchanged bookmarks, see? It started out because we were always trading books, but then it went to these."
"I see." She looked at the three, then pointed to a holographic one of silver boxes. "That one's neat."
"Yeah, he might like it." Wally thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you have a friend like that back in Johto?"
Kiri shrugged. "Not really. I've had lots of friends, sure enough, but not like you and Vincent are."
"Don't you write any of them?"
"Sometimes, but it usually doesn't last long. I moved around a lot when I was little, actually. We must have lived in every town in Johto over the years, and were even in Kanto for a few months. Dad was honing his skills as a Gym Trainer and Assistant, and always got transferred a lot. And Mom did a lot more Contest work before, so she was here, there, and everywhere. I got used to making new friends every year."
"Even after you got handicapped?"
"It wasn't so crazy after that, but we still moved twice, once within Johto and once to here. Course, now that Dad's in charge of his own Gym, they'll probably stick to Petalburg for a while."
"That sounds pretty hard. I've only lived in Petalburg my whole life."
"You get used to it."
Wally bought the holographic bookmark to give to Vincent at some point, then said, "We can probably make Mauville by dinner time if we leave now. Then we can challenge the Gym tonight or tomorrow."
"Sounds good. Let's go."
Pokenav Extra
People
Captain Samuel Stern
Job: Engineer
Hobby: collecting seashells
Secret: He is a master of scuba diving.
Pokemon
Machop
Trainer: Brawly
Team: 1st Tier
Nature: Serious
Likes: caves
Dislikes: swimming
Makuhita
Trainer: Brawly
Team: 1st Tier
Nature: Modest
Likes: physical fights
Dislikes: mental fights
Scylla (Gyrados)
Trainer: Stern
Nature: Hasty
Likes: being noisy
Dislikes: being patient
Spells
Arcane Power: An attack spell based on cards, it can only be used by those trained to decipher the mystical Arcane cards. It has been likened to the spell Metronome, except that while Metronome can become any possible spell, Arcane Power can become 1 of 92 spells. It is unfortunately best known as one of the few ways one can cast the spell Devil Hand.
Devil Hand: An extremely rare spell, it will attack anyone within a battle shield or attack radius, including the user, for half of their total health/concentration. It appears to bypass elemental resistances, although an unknown factor allows some targets to receive damage of only a quarter of their HP/CP instead. Known ways to cast this spell are either through drawing the Devil card in Arcane Power or through a Shadow-cursed Pokemon; there is no known way to permanently learn it.
I've been interested in the Tarot for many years, even if I don't entirely believe in it. It has such a nice system of symbolism.
Actually, I've sometimes found that the Gym Trainers in Dewford Gym can be a lot more of a pain than Brawly. Brawly uses two pure Fight types, while his followers mostly use the Psychic/Fight Meditites that love to spam Detect every other round. Then again, I rarely use flying types by that point in this particular generation.
