Public Displays of Aggression
Chapter 21 – Electrical Parade
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It took them longer than Midorima would have liked to get organised to leave the following morning. Every time it appeared they were ready, Takao realised that he had forgotten something in their room or he needed to use the restroom. Trying to leave with sanity intact was incredibly similar to herding Skitty, Midorima realised.
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He and Takao were out the automatic doors of the Pokémon Centre. 'Are you sure you're ready?' Midorima asked.
'No need to smother but yes, I'm fine.' Takao said. Ahead, they could see the sandy path bend into Union Cave. Union Cave was a huge, clunky mass of rocks on the horizon. The two Trainers followed the path. It eventually widened and met the mouth of the cave.
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Some Trainers were hanging about having battles outside the cave. Takao and Midorima both considered it too early for that kind of thing and tried their hardest to ignore it. Midorima's reputation preceded them and caught attention. Midorima retaliated by deflecting them. He shut down every offer to battle and would walk away if someone did so much as said "Hello" to him. Takao followed after him and wished that Midorima a little more tact than what he was demonstrating.
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The two entered the cave and immediately they felt a drop in temperature the drips of precipitation. There was an odd smell in the air, similar to decay but not quite as abrasive. Their footsteps echoed in the huge caverns that were obscured by murky darkness. Takao and Midorima stayed close and wished that one of them had a fire type or Pokémon that knew Flash to illuminate the cave. Every step they took had great care placed on it.
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Takao kept a hand on the cool wall. Midorima thought the "hand on the wall" trick was a myth but he supposed it may have merit. Time seemed to distort within the cave. It was hard to keep track of how long they had spent. The further away from the cave's mouth they wandered, the thicker the darkness grew. They patiently followed every bend in the mouth, sticking close to the wall as Takao had suggested.
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Other Trainers was wandering the ground floor of Union Cave. Some had explored deeper and others were just as mystified by the darkness as Midorima and Takao. Some Trainers however had had the foresight to teach Flash to some of their Pokémon. One girl, a standoffish-seeming brunette with a Persian, was kind enough to gift Midorima the TM Flash. She said that she didn't need any more and that there was always the chance they would meet again along the way; possibly at the Silver Conference. She said she would remember because it's not every day you help out a Generation of Miracle. Midorima said to her that he would one try and return the favour. He committed the name Koganei Akane to memory.
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Midorima used the TM on Natu as soon as he got the chance. His Natu lifted its wings and through the feathers, light filtered through. Natu became a small, bouncing ball of light. Midorima and Takao followed behind it as it bopped through the cave happily.
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Long, thin winding pools of water shimmered treacherously next to Natu as they veered away from the walls. 'Should we be letting Natu just walk around like this?' Takao asked.
'He probably has a better sense of direction than the both of us, due to being both a bird and a psychic-type.' Midorima replied.
'Are you implying that your Natu makes for a better guide than me? A sentient human?' Takao asked. Midorima looked at him but didn't answer him.
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Despite what Midorima said about Natu's sense of direction, he didn't let it have free reign of where they went. He kept it on track. Soon a dull light crept through the path they had taking: a literal light at the end of the tunnel. A new sound accompanied the scuffles of people and Pokémon going through the cave. It was hard to place without visuals.
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When Midorima and Takao reached the exit, they felt a crisp, damp wind and saw the sun attempt to shine through a heavy downpour. Midorima returned Natu to his PokeBall. Midorima then stood aside so his PokeGear wouldn't get wet from the rain. He briefly checked the time. It had taken them half an hour to even leave the PokeCentre. It had taken them four and a half hours to get through the cave.
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Takao breathed in the smell of the wet forest then rummaged through his bag for his foldable umbrella. It was solid black. He nudged Midorima. 'You coming or what?' he asked.
'One moment. I need to get my umbrella first.' Midorima snappily replied. He went through his bag and pulled out a foldable umbrella of his own. Midorima's umbrella had a playful pattern on it involving Politoed.
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Their umbrellas bumped against each other as they tried to walk side-by-side. Midorima let his Poliwag walk alongside them. Poliwag was a moody Pokémon who only seemed to be content when there was water around and nothing else. He happily waddled in front of them and made contented, gurgling noises.
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The three walked over mushy grass and past huge slicks of mud. All they could hear was the muffled thud of rain hitting against their umbrellas but luckily, further in the distance a small town began to appear through a thicket of medium sized trees. Town signage and advertising for local services was even ahead.
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It was a huge relief an hour and a half later when Midorima and Takao arrived at the PokeCentre. The heaters blasting and Nurse Joy's Chansey staff were handing out towels to people who needed them. There something peculiar going on in this PokeCentre though. It wasn't obvious at first but it became very apparently. In the lounged area, there was a huge cluster of girls, giggling and screaming.
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Midorima paled. 'You okay, Shin-chan?' Takao asked. He didn't look sick but he did look vaguely disturbed or disgusted. 'Not coming down with something are you?'
'We have made an unfortunate mistake coming to Azalea Town at this point in time.' Midorima replied.
'What do you mean?' Takao asked. He glanced towards all the girls. They sure were being loud and he was also pretty sure that the centre of them was what Midorima was focusing on.
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A little girl, far too young to be a Trainer, dislodged herself from the pack with a pleased look on her face. 'I can't believe Kisekocchi-nii-chan signed my poster.' she said and she admired the piece of paper she was holding. It looked straight out of a Liepard Beat magazine.
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The person at the centre of the commotion came forward with a grin. He was wearing clothes that suited him incredibly well and shone with the quality only seen in a high-end boutique. 'I thought I saw you, Midorimacchi.' Midorima groaned. He couldn't respond with his usual answer to literally everything this person says because his fans were here.
'Hey I know you. You were on the cover of ZUON once.' Takao said.
'It's always nice to get recognised.'
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'Hello Kise. Have you gotten the Gym Badge here yet?' Midorima asked.
'Let's go somewhere a little more private, huh? I know you don't like crowds.' Kise replied.
'That would be nice.' Midorima mumbled.
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Kise organised his horde of fangirls. They were disappointed but they respected that Kise would want some time alone with an old friend. They let Kise go. 'So who's the tag along?' Kise whispered as he climbed up the stairs of the PokeCentre.
'My friend Takao Kazunari.' Midorima replied.
'I'm standing right here.' Takao huffed. He was on the step beneath the two "Miracles".
'No way. I didn't recognise him at all.' Kise said, in awe.
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He reached the top of the stairs and waited for Midorima and Takao. 'My room's here.' he said and he then unlocked the door. Kise dramatically plopped himself down on his bed. Midorima sat on the chair at the tiny table provided. Takao hovered.
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'Midorimacchi, I missed you.' Kise whined.
'Go die. I don't believe you.' Midorima spat.
'I miss everyone. I'm lonely.' Kise moaned.
'You have plenty of fans. Pick one, make friends with her and travel with her.' Midorima suggested.
'I tried but the fans just kind of clam up and go into fanatic mode. It's hard to get to know someone when they're only interested in your fame. Being a part-time model is hard.' Kise explained.
'Boo-hoo.' Midorima rolled his eyes.
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Takao watched. He hadn't really seen this side of Midorima but they were clearly very different people so it was unsurprising that he and Kise didn't really get along. Kise seemed to be a clingy, overly affectionate person. Midorima was more distant and was very fond of personal space. They were natural opposites. Still, Midorima could tone down how rude he was.
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Kise huffed. 'Meanie.' He glanced at Takao. 'I'm sorry but I don't remember you. I know your name. Midorimacchi didn't stop talking about you for days. It got on everyone's nerves. Kind of adorable in hindsight.'
'What are you talking about?' Takao asked. He glared at Midorima. 'I have no context for this whatsoever but that is gross and creepy.' Midorima glared back.
'Don't put it like that. Completely different to what you accidently implied.' Midorima snapped.
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Kise chuckled impishly. 'Oops.'
'You couldn't care less and we both know it.' Midorima said.
'So... Midorimacchi hasn't told you much about his days at the Academy?' Kise asked, curious but deviant.
'Not much actually. Which is pretty insulting given that I'm an open book.' Takao said and he crossed his arms.
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Kise had a knowing look. 'Oh, I take it you've met Kobayashi then?'
'Yeah...' Takao said.
'That explains it.' Kise murmured. 'Well, it's not my place to spill all of Midorimacchi's dark secrets, now is it?'
'I'll tell you more when I believe it is appropriate.' Midorima admitted.
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This exchange left a bad taste in Takao's mouth. He thought he knew Midorima quite well but clearly he knew nothing at all. He felt a little betrayed. He felt like a toy for the genius to play with.
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Takao glanced at the door. This room was suffocating. He was a commoner in a league of geniuses. He didn't belong here. 'I think I'm gonna go and do some stuff in the reception room. Buy a drink or something.' Takao said, making excuses as he wished to escape.
'Why don't we join you? I'd like to have a battle with you. You must be good if Midorimacchi's keeping you around. I think the rains stopping and it doesn't matter anyway, the practice courts are under cover.' Kise said.
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Takao paused. 'I wouldn't mind it.' he admitted. At least battling was something he understood. So what if Kise was a "genius"? Then again, Takao didn't even know what Kise's talent was.
'I wouldn't recommend it Takao.' Midorima said.
'Why?' Takao asked, a slight snarl marring his voice
'Pidgey is your main partner. Kise specialises in electric-types.' Midorima informed.
'I still want a battle.' Takao said.
'Oh good.' Kise smiled.
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The three made their way downstairs and outside. The rain had lightened up. It could be seen but not heard. It could barely be felt either. They chose the most undercover court. People thought they were crazy. This was weather for hot chocolates and good books; not battling. But as soon as those remarkable hair colours were seen, people stopped judging.
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Kise and Takao stood at opposite ends of the court. Midorima stood midway and had offered himself as referee. 'Two Pokémon per battler with a ten minute time limit. Is this agreeable?' Midorima asked.
'Yup.' Kise agreed.
'Yeah.' Takao mumbled.
'I'll flip a coin to decide who goes first.' Midorima said.
'Heads.' Takao snapped.
'Tails.' Kise said.
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Midorima flipped his coin. 'Heads.' he stated. 'Takao is given the first turn.'
'Go, Sen-chan!' Takao called out and he threw out his PokeBall. His Furret raced out of the red light and expressed lithe movement and mewls.
'Pikakocchi!' Kise yelped and he threw out his own PokeBall. A Pikachu leaped out of the red light. Its red cheeks flashed brightly and it looked excited.
'Begin!' Midorima announced.
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Takao took a deep breath. 'Super Fang!' he instructed. Sen-chan chased Pikakocchi around the battle field and leaped on the smaller rodent. Sen-chan bit down hair on Pikakocchi with glowing fangs. Pikakocchi squirmed because of it and took a lot of damage. Kise agonised because of it.
'Volt Tackle!' Kise yelled.
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Pikakocchi leaned back and its tail quivered. A bright yellow light like lightning erupted from its body and seemed to blur it. Pikakocchi sped towards Sen-chan with blinding accuracy. Sen-chan was tackled and pushed back forcefully. Sen-chan sustained a huge amount of damage from the charged attack. Pikakocchi took a bit of recoil and it was becoming clear that it was close to the brink of defeat. A crackle of leftover energy shimmered through Sen-chan's fur. Paralysis had taken effect.
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Takao saw that but he was still certain that he could defeat Kise's Pikachu. 'Quick Attack!' he yelled. Sen-chan moved itself forward and readied itself for the hunt before freezing up. Paralysis crept through Sen-chan who whimpered helplessly. 'Pikakocchi, now's your chance – use Electro Ball!' Kise shouted. Pikakocchi's tail became upright and it yowled menacingly. A huge orb of spiralling electricity and lightning began to form on the tip of its tail. Pikakocchi sent it flying forward, aimed perfectly at Sen-chan's body.
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The orb lunged at Sen-chan who took the attack full frontally. The electricity dissipated and spread throughout Sen-chan's body. Sen-chan howled and began to sway before falling flat against the ground with spinning eyes. 'I declare Furret unable to battle.' Midorima announced.
'Argh! So sorry, Sen-chan!' Takao said and he returned Sen-chan who was snavelled up by red light. Takao exchanged PokeBalls. 'Go, Pi-chan!'
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Pi-chan's wings spanned out from the red light and he fluttered about. Takao was feeling antsy. The disadvantage he was at was mounting fast. 'Quick Attack!' he called out. Pi-chan lunged at the Pikachu with blistering speed and left a silver aftermath of afterimages. Pi-chan dived on Pikakocchi who aptly avoided the attack with familiar, lithe grace. Pi-chan swooped back before reaching the fake grass court. Pi-chan head-butted Pikakocchi's back but Pikakocchi seemed mostly unaffected by the attack.
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Pikakocchi turned to Pi-chan with deft speed in anticipation of Kise's instructions. 'Electro Ball!' Kise said. Pi-chan bent down and its tail grew stiff. Bolts of orangey-yellow electricity manifested at the tip of its tail and became orb-like. Pikakocchi released the energy with a forceful slap. The orb of electricity was sent flying at Pi-chan who couldn't escape the attack. The orb exploded against Pi-chan's breast. Pi-chan was electrified by the attack.
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The will to continue was sapped from Pi-chan who began fall to the ground. Takao thrust out his PokeBall. 'Come back, Pi-chan.' he yelled. Pi-chan returned to his PokeBall before Midorima could make judgement; although it had been obvious.
'The match is over. Kise has won.' Midorima announced.
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Takao and Kise shook hands. It had been a good match that had come so close at one point. This was what battling the Generation of Miracles was like. It was exhilarating but terrifying.
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Kise had an impish smile. 'Did you work out what my special effect is?' he asked.
'Status moves? Speed increase?' Takao guessed.
'Huh, I thought you'd notice. But no, neither of those.' Kise said.
'I give up then. Just tell me already.' Takao said.
'Movement copying. Pikakocchi imitated some of what Sen-chan had done during the first half of the battle.' Kise said.
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Takao thought about it. Now that it had been brought to his attention, Kise's Pikachu's movements did alter during the battle with Pi-chan. They became more lithe and limber; just like Sen-chan's usual bounding and leaping. Takao was impressed that Kise had imprinted such a skill onto his Pokémon.
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'You look like you're having the revelation of the century.' Midorima said. 'You did well Takao.' Takao huffed. He was still a bit moody with Midorima but why did being praised by him feel so good? It felt like his heart had actually skipped a beat but that couldn't be right.
'Yeah, you almost had me at one point there.' Kise encouraged. 'In fact, I'd say that as you are right now, you could beat two out of seven members of the Generation of Miracles.'
'Really?' Takao said. He felt good about being praised by Kise but it was a different kind of good.
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Midorima paused. 'Yes, I agree. Based on how I view the hierarchy.' Midorima said.
'You guys have a hierarchy?' Takao said, sceptical.
'Yep.' Kise murmured. 'Kind of like the Gym Leader hierarchy but in reverse. I am fifth.'
'Fourth.' Midorima said.
'Really?' Takao said. His eyes were wide and possibly in shock.
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Midorima and Kise were terrifying as is and they were pretty average on this "hierarchy" thing. Who exactly where they talking about when they said he could win against these freaky geniuses?