Chapter 21
Disclaimer: moi-moi819 does not own Pokémon, or any of their titles therein. This is a nonprofit fan fiction. No copyright infringement was intended.
Moi-Moi: To all my fellow PokéFans, I am deeply sorry. For everyone who answered Dark Types, you are absolutely correct. In my choosing of the last riddle, I didn't take into account the fact that Pokémon X an Y had just been released. So, yes. Dark types are still the only types without a Gym that specializes in them. You were all correct. :)
But, can you believe it? They just discovered Fairy types and there's already a Gym devoted to them, but Dark types have been here for years and have yet to have a Gym. Sigh. The injustice…
Anyways, can you all help me settle an argument? Is it safe to say that some of the strongest Pokémon Ash has raised have come from his time in Sinnoh? Not being biased. I'm just saying. Not all of them, of course but just a few like Infernape, Torterra, and Buizel. Ash was able to get to the Top 4 in the Sinnoh League- the best he's ever done in any League. And I believe that he could have gotten runner up if he hadn't been paired up with Tobias so early. But, let me know what you think.
In other news, how many of you enjoyed the Pokémon Series: XY preview on Saturday? I know I did. Kalos Pokémon look amazing. I'm tempted to buy a 3DS just so I can play X and Y. It sucks that we have to wait until next year for the dubbed episodes. But, being the crafty, impatient fan I am, I'm watching the episodes as soon as they come out online. ;) They may be in Japanese, but I'll find them subbed somewhere…
?- this duo are the only Dragon and Psychic type Pokémon discovered. Don't worry. I made sure my answer was correct! :)
~:~
Today was my battle against Fantina. Ash had already won his Badge and now he, Dawn, Brock, and Barry were sitting in the stands to cheer me on. Well, Barry was doing his own version of cheering…
"Gabi, if you don't win this battle right now, I'm going to fine you!" Barry yelled at me. I sent him an annoyed look. He glared back, completely serious. Nonetheless, it was something…
"Gabi, are you ready? Alors, allons-y my dear Drifblim!" Fantina exclaims. She releases Drifblim and the Ghostly balloon floats high above the field. Drifblim was kind of cute in its own balloon-y way.
"Kirlia, let's go!" I exclaim. Kirlia appeared from her ball with her eyes closed and her arms held close to her.
"What's she doing?! She's putting a Psychic type up against a Ghost type! I know that she's not the best Trainer in the world, but come on!" Barry exclaims so loudly that I'm sure everyone in Kanto could hear him.
"I'm sure she had a plan," Brock soothes.
"Battle begin!"
"Kirlia, Confusion!" I command. Kirlia opens her glowing eyes and stared Drifblim in the face. Drifblim blinked once before its eyes glazed over. Drifblim began floating around the room like a deflating balloon while crashing into the walls.
"Quel dommage! My dear Drifblim you must snap out of it! Quickly, use Ominous Wind!" Fantina exclaimed. A lot faster than I had expected, Drifblim snapped out of confusion. Drifblim once again faced Kirlia, ready to attack.
"Teleport!" I command. Just as the ghostly winds began plowing towards Kirlia, she vanished into thin air. Drifblim ceased its attack to look around for Kirlia. "Psychic!"
Appearing behind Drifblim, Kirlia took control of its body and began slamming it about the field. "Drifblim! Use 'ypnosis!"
"Psychic!" I respond. Kirlia stopped the Hypnosis mid-air before sending it back with a wave of her hand. Drifblim began slowly falling towards the field in a deep sleep. It was still floating just about the ground, however. Fantina let out a dismayed wail. "Psychic, once more!"
This was my plan from the start. I would try to confuse Driblim into hurting itself as well as using Fantina's move to put her own Pokémon to sleep. And now that Drifblim was sleeping peacefully, Kirlia could knock it out without much difficulty.
"Drifblim is unable to battle! The winner is Kirlia!"
"Perfect as usual, Kirlia. Ready for one more bout?" I ask her. Kirlia gave a twirl and cry of happiness before stepping back out onto the field. She floated just above the ground with a patient face.
"Your Kirlia is magnifique! But, I will not go easy on you, Gabi," Fantina says and releases her Gengar.
"I wouldn't want it any other way, Fantina," I smirk. Monferno cheers Kirlia on from her spot next to me.
"Gengar, Shadow Punch!"
Gengar moved faster than I anticipated, its transparent fist hitting Kirlia in the torso. Kirlia flew back and I gasped loudly. "Kirlia, use Confusion!" I counter. Kirlia was able to give Gengar a long stare, but the Ghost type began floating around eerily, dodging the attack.
"Ladies and gentlemen, making 'is second appearance, Gengar zee Great!" Fantina exclaimed. I stared at Kirlia. That Shadow Punch had done a number on her. She wouldn't be able to take another one of those.
"Confusion, again!"
"Genger, 'ypnosis s'il vous plait!"
Gengar was able to fire his attack just before getting hit with Kirlia's attack. Gengar's eyes glazed over pink before he began punching himself in the face. The Hypnosis hit Kirlia head on and she curled up on the field for a nap. With a sad sigh, I recalled her.
"Pepper, it's all you!" I yell. Just as Pepper started flying over the field, Gengar stopped punching itself long enough to look around in confusion. With a haunting smirk, he floated up to Pepper's level. Pepper let out a fearsome cry with an intense glare and Gengar recoiled in fear.
"Gengar, what is it?" Fantina asked.
"Pepper's ability: Intimidate. It can really come in handy. Pepper, Aerial Ace!" I yell. While Gengar was paralyzed in fear, Pepper swooped in quickly, hitting Gengar in its torso and slamming it into the ground. My Pepper's frightened a Ghost. How ironic.
"Gengar, 'Ypnosis!"
"Whirlwind!" I yell. The attack spiraled away before hitting a ball and poofing into nothing. The Whirlwind was able to push back the Hypnosis, but not fire it back at Gengar. We had never solved that problem. "Aerial Ace!"
"Gengar is unable to battle!"
"Gabi, I am impressed with your Pokémon. I was sure zat you would use zee Counter Shield strategy Ash 'ad used, but you seem to be faring fine without it," Fantina says and recalls Gengar.
"I know," I say and recall Pepper. "Just imagine how well we can do with it."
Monferno met Mismagius on the field. "Mismagius, use Psy Wave!"
"Dig!" I yelled. Monferno dug into the field to dodge the attack. Once the coast was clear, I commanded, "Flamethrower!"
"Magical Leaf!" Fantina commanded. The Grass type attack was able to shield Mismagius from our attack perfectly. That must have been an extremely powerful Magical Leaf. Fantina ordered for another Magical Leaf that was being shot directly at Monferno.
"Spin and use Flamethrower!" I command. Rather than shooting out streams of fire in all directions, Monferno created a tall, fire twister in the middle of the field that pulled in the leaves and burned them to a crisp. She started moving towards Mismagius then, pulling the Ghost type into the twister and trapping it. We had Dratini to thank for this move. "Flame Wheel!"
Not having enough time to dodge, Mismagius was hit with the Flame Wheel. Monferno pushed Mismagius into the ground while still fired up. She continued to force Mismagius down for some time before flipping away.
"Mismagius, dazzle them with Dark Pulse!"
"Flamethrower!"
The two moves met in the middle of the field before exploding and releasing a fiery cloud of black smoke. Monferno was pushed back and covered with smoke. I hadn't seen what had happened to Mismagius. After several seconds, I saw Monferno clearing some of the smoke away from her with her paws.
"Mismagius is unable to battle! This means the victory goes to Gabi of Sandgem Town!"
"Yes! Monferno, you were amazing! I'm so proud of you!" I exclaim and she leaps into my open arms. I hug her to me tightly. Who cares about type disadvantage?
~:~
Later, in the night, we were sitting on the balcony that was attached to the boy's room at the Pokémon Center. Everyone but Barry and his Empoleon were sitting at the table and enjoying a cool drink. Dawn was sketching in her Journal, having claimed to have inspiration for her next Contest. Brock was feeding Happiny to get her ready for bed.
"So Barry, what are you going to do next?" Ash asked Barry after some time.
"I'm going to train on Iron Island. I trained there before and was able to win a badge from the Canalave Gym," Barry says.
I pointed out Iron Island to Ash on my map of Sinnoh before pointing out where Canalave City was. "We should head to the Canalave Gym next then. We can all travel together," Ash said and faced Barry. "What do you think Gabi?" Ash asked.
"That sounds good. Let's head out tomorrow morning," I agree.
"I knew it. You just can't keep away from me. Can you Gabi?" Barry says with a pitying look. He places a hand to his forehead with a sigh and I glare at him coldly. Ash laughs nervously before busying himself with his glass of juice.
"Barry, I'm not going to say this again: I do not have a crush on you. The day that happens is the day Monferno becomes an Ice type," I hiss. Monferno gives me an 'eep' in objection while Barry waves me off.
"Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Gabi… Tell you what, if you win at the Canalave Gym, I may just start to consider you a real rival," Barry says with a smirk. I glare at him, not in anger, but in challenge.
"Well then get ready Barry, cause I'm going all the way," I start. "Maybe if you ever get five badges too, I'd consider you an actual rival," I smirk. Monferno snickered next to me and finished off my juice for me.
"I could get those badges anytime I wanted to!"
"Then why don't you?!"
"That's it! I'm fining you!"
"That's too bad cause I'm not paying for it!"
"The sweet sound of a true rivalry forming…" Brock sighed peacefully.
~:~
The next morning, Dawn and I were woken to the sound of rapid knocking on the door to our bedroom. Piplup crawled under the blankets to block out the noise and Monferno grumbled from next to me. Dawn rubbed her eyes sleepily and blinked over at me. She sent me a pleading look. With a sigh, I got out of bed to answer the door. "Thanks, Gabi," Dawn says in a grateful tone.
"Yeah, yeah," I mumble. I open the door just and was about to speak, when I felt hard knuckles hitting me in the forehead. I cried out in pain before clutching my head. I could hear Monferno, Dawn, and Piplup calling out to me in concern.
"Gabi, what are you doing there? And why aren't you dressed?! Let's go already!" Barry exclaims.
I look up with a cold glare. Barry was standing at the door, all ready for the day. Ash and Brock stood dressed behind him with sleepy expressions and sagging shoulders. Pikachu was dozing on Ash's head. With a deep breath, I turned to face Barry. "Barry, the sun is barely up. Go back to bed," I hissed. Ash and Brock were shooting me thankful looks from behind Barry's back.
"We need to leave now!"
"What for?! Canalave isn't going anywhere! The seaplane isn't leaving for three hours! We'd be standing at the pier for three hours just waiting! Now, go back in your room and don't leave it for at least another hour!" I exclaim and slam the door. How was I supposed to get back to sleep now? I was too angry to even think about sleep.
Two and a half hours later, we were almost to the pier. I still wasn't in the best of moods, but the pleasant weather was soothing me. Once again, my eyes drooped close while I was walking. "Children! Over here!"
I opened my eyes to see a flight attendant with violet hair in a blue, flight attendant's uniform. She was with an extremely short man in a pilot's uniform and a lavender-haired man with a camera. "Are you children headed to Canalave City?"
"Yes. We are," Brock answered.
"Well, our free blimp service is leaving right now for Canalave City. Board now for a speedy ride over to the city," the woman says. The pilot smiles at us and I raise a brow. Free? What was the catch?
"It leaves right now?! Count me in!" Barry exclaims and boarded without us. Ash called out to Barry before running after him. Dawn and Brock followed them at a slower rate. After giving the flight attendant one last, long look, I boarded as well.
~:~
"They call this speedy? I've met Snorlax that were faster," Barry grumbled.
"What did you expect? It's a blimp," I respond.
"Why don't you come watch the view Barry? It's a beautiful day," Brock suggested.
"I see the city!" Dawn cried out. We actually made it? Maybe this wasn't some sort of scam? But, it still didn't explain why we were the only ones on this blimp…
Once we exited the blimp, we spotted the flight attendant and the photographer. "Commemorative photo with you and all your Pokémon?" the flight attendant asked. She gave us a large grin and gestured to the photographer. I raised a brow.
"For riding a blimp? What was so special about it?" I ask.
"Come on, Gabi. It'll be fun," Dawn says.
"No, thanks," Barry says and turns his back on them. After more pleading from Dawn, Barry brought out Empoleon, but refused to bring out his other Pokémon. Everyone else brought out all their Pokémon and I frowned. I wasn't about to bring out my Pokémon either. All of my "Walk Away NOW" senses were going off like crazy.
"Now, all the Pokémon will stand in front of the Trainers," the photographer said and stared pointedly at Monferno. She huffed before climbing off my shoulder. "Now, all the Trainers move back. Then, move to the right."
With a sigh, I allowed Dawn to pull me along with her. As soon as we stopped moving, the ground vanished beneath us. We fell through the earth and into a… pitfall? Once I heard the Pokémon cry out, I moved to the edge of the pit. I tried to pull myself up and out of the hole with a glare.
"Team Rocket," I growl.
"Who are those losers?" Barry asks.
"Just some losers about to wish they never met me," I growl.
"Losers?! Who do you think you are Twerp?!" Jessie exclaims with her ever-so-large mouth.
"I warned you Team Rocket. If you think you're going to get away with this-" I say.
"News flash. Twerp: We already have. Nobody threatens Team Rocket so nyah-nyah boo-boo," Jessie says and sticks out her tongue at me.
"Real mature. Monferno, Flamethrower!"
"Seviper, use Haze!"
"Bullet Seed, Carnavine!"
Monferno fired her attack from inside the net while Seviper and Carnazine fired their own. The moves collided and the result was a huge explosion that sent the Pokémon all flying in different directions. I watched Monferno fly away from me with a frightened expression on her face. I reached out for her, but it was pointless. She was gone.
I shut my eyes tightly to ward off the tears that threatened to fall. After several seconds of trying to compose myself, I glared at Jessie and James. They watched my with panicked expressions. My first Pokémon ever was just yanked away from me by these idiots. "Pepper, use Close Combat!" I command. I waited until the two were beaten down by Pepper and collapsed into a heap on the ground. "Team Rocket, you better pray I find Monferno. Because if I don't, I'm coming after you next. Whirlwind!"
Thankfully, Team Rocket was blown away from me. I'm not sure if I could have handled seeing them for any longer. They were so infuriating! Why weren't they in prison yet?!
"They all went in different directions. Where do we start looking?" Dawn asked.
"I'm searching from the air," I say and hop onto Pepper's back. "If I find anyone, I'll send them to you."
I didn't wait for their approval before soaring off on Pepper's back. I had to sit on the back of my calves and hold on by gripping the joint where his wings met his body. I had ridden on Pepper before. I was a lot heavier than my Pokémon and thus much better training partner when we worked on improving his speed.
"Pepper! There goes Staravia and Gliscor!" I point out, taking one hand off his wing. Pepper swooped in carefully towards them while letting out a cry. Once we got close to them, I smile at them. Staravia looked worried while Gliscor had tears gathering in his large, yellow eyes. "Ash and the others are back there. Let him know you're alright. He's probably worried. Did either of you see Monferno?" I ask. When they shake their heads in the negative, I sigh. Pepper took off then and Staravia and Gliscor flew off towards Ash.
I must have looked all over the city for her. I had already had Kirlia Teleport several Pokémon to Ash and the others without finding Monferno. I had run into Team Rocket once, but they had quickly changed directions after seeing me searching.
When Pepper started cooing and pointing down with his wing, I peered off the side. I searched the ground, squinting my eyes. And then I saw them. Empoleon, Piplup, Grotle with Happiny carrying him, and Monferno. Pepper was already moving down.
"Monferno!" I called out to her as soon as my feet touched the ground. She cried out happily and ran into my arms. Immense relief flooded through me at once, washing away all the fear, desperation, and anger I had been feeling. "Is everyone alright?" I ask the others. Piplup taps his chest with his wing once with a proud look. Empoleon folds his wings with a frown, but Piplup ignored him. Happiny danced happily and Grotle smiled at me.
"Good. Let's go find the others. Kirlia, use Teleport please," I say and release her. It took her several seconds to search for Ash and the others. She was probably looking into the near future for their next location. Once she had the location, we vanished on the spot.
When I found them, I found Meowth talking to Ash and the others. The Pokémon all ran to their Trainers and I glared at Meowth. Meowth sent me a nervous glance. "Cool your jets, Twerpie. I'm on your side!" he exclaimed with paws raised.
I scoffed. "Yeah right. I've had more than enough of Team Rocket. When you see Jessie and James, I want you to give them something for me. Monferno, Flamethrower!" I say. For the second time today, Meowth and Mime Jr. were blasted away by an explosion. "The only good thing that came out of this was that we made it to Canalave City."
"Mhmmm…"
"You said it…"
"Totally…"
~:~
The next morning, we were Barry-less as we walked towards the Canalave Gym. There hadn't been as much time to train between my Gym battles as I would have liked. But, I suppose I would have to make due and trust my Pokémon.
"There it is!" Ash exclaimed. The Canalave Gym wasn't the prettiest Gym in the world. It was shaped like an hourglass with a rocky platform at the bottom and the familiar, League dome at the top. The middle portion looked unfinished with its steel sheaths that were haphazardly bolted down to the outside. Maybe the appearance was supposed to be symbolic?
Once we approached the doors, a man in a tight, white tee greeted us. "Good morning. I'd like to have a battle with the Gym Leader please," I request.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, but the Gym Leader's away on Iron Island," he replies.
Ash cried out loudly in anguish then. "Not another Gym Leader who's not there when we get there!" I patted his back comfortingly.
"It's not so bad Ash. At least we know that he's close by. Why don't we just go back to the Pokémon Center to train?" I suggest.
"Yeah. I guess…" Ash acquiesces. Ash seemed to form a dark, storm cloud over his head then. Pikachu watched him in worry.
We left the Gym and headed back to the Pokémon Center. We moved to the field outback after leaving Brock to flirt with Nurse Joy some more. It was becoming such a natural occurrence that we didn't bother to stop and watch. Brock was in Croagunk's hands. He would be fine.
"Dawn, would you be my partner?" I ask her. Dawn gave me a surprised look. Ash sent me a disappointed look. "I haven't practiced with you in a long time. Ash, we'll battle next, but you can start working with your Pokémon now." Ash had given in to my wishes reluctantly and gone off to the side to release all his Pokémon. Dawn and I faced each other on the field.
"I'm going to use Swinub," Dawn says and releases the Ice type.
"I'm going with Monferno," I say. Swinub faced Monferno without any sort of indication that it was about to partake in a battle. After several seconds, Swinub released an icy breath. Monferno released a flaming breath in response. "You can have the first move Dawn."
"This is great. This will be practice for the Chocovine Contest. It'll be Swinub's first Contest. Swinub, Take Down!"
"Stop it with Mach Punch!" I command. Monferno sprang into action quickly, meeting Swinub before it could get too close. Monferno brought her fist down on Swinub's head before pushing off its head and flipping away. "Flame Wheel!" I continue. Monferno began rolling towards Swinub quickly, hitting the Pokémon while it was down. This sent Swinub flying into the air where Monferno was waiting on the ground.
"Swinub, no!" Dawn exclaimed. Monferno continued to plow Swinub with Flame Wheels, until the Ice type rolled away weakly. I was going to command a Flamethrower, but Swinub started to glow. I gasped. Swinub was evolving! Now?!
"Swinub evolved into Piloswine," I comment. Just then, Piloswine let out a loud cry and raised off its front feet. It stomped down onto the ground harshly. I smirked. "That's a fired up Pokémon. Give us your best shot, Dawn"
"You bet. Take Down, Piloswine!" Dawn says. Rather than charge at Monferno, the large Pokémon began burrowing its way underground. I blinked confusedly. "Wait. I didn't say Dig."
"Dig, Monferno!" I command. Monferno dug her own tunnel as well and seconds later, the ground began rumbling. Monferno tossed Piloswine into the air before springing out of the hole. Piloswine fell the ground with an earth-shaking rumble. Piloswine didn't seemed pleased by this, however. With heavy snorts, Piloswine charged at Monferno angrily.
"Piloswine, no! Stop!" Dawn yelled.
"Monferno, Mach Punch!" I yelled. Monferno landed a Mach Punch to Piloswine's head before flipping away. That didn't stop Piloswine from getting back up and charging at us again. "Run!" I yell, abandoning the battle. I took Monferno into my arms and ran off. Piloswine didn't want to battle anymore. It wanted vengeance. I ran straight for Dawn with Monferno in my arms. I was trying to keep her from facing Piloswine head on, but that darn Fighting nature of hers… Dawn and Piplup started running away as well, Piloswine chasing us around the field.
"Knock it off, Piloswine!" Dawn yelled.
"How is it not tired?!" I yelled.
"Help 'em out Grotle! Gliscor, use Screech!" Ash yelled. I covered my ears. In doing this, I let Monferno go. Seeing her opportunity, she sprang into action. I turned quickly to see her run towards Piloswine with her fist glowing. Gliscor had stopped screeching and had managed to get partially frozen. Monferno hit Piloswine on the head, but the Ice type sent her back.
"Monferno!" I exclaimed. I went to her side as she sat glaring at Piloswine's rampaging form. Gliscor was swooping in on Piloswine with its mouth filled with fire. Was that Fire Fang? "Help Gliscor out. Use Flamethrower!"
"Guys! What's going on?!" I heard Brock yell suddenly. He was looking around frantically at the chaos. We were all facing a rampaging Piloswine. I looked back at Piloswine. It was charging up an attack. "Is that Ancient Power?" Brock asked, seeing the move. Ancient Power?
Gliscor and Monferno dodge the attack before hitting Piloswine head on. When Piloswine started glowing again, I groaned loudly. It was evolving again?! Monferno didn't back down and instead fired off a Mach Punch full force at Mamoswine's head. The gigantic Pokémon was knocked back and collapsed in an unconscious heap. Before it could get a hold of itself, Dawn recalled it.
"Are you alright?" I ask Monferno when she approached me. She gave me a thumbs up and a wink while swinging her tail. I sigh in relief. I looked over at Dawn. She was staring at Mamoswine's Pokéball with wide, fearful eyes. I walked over to her with Ash and Brock following. "Dawn?"
"Mamoswine didn't listen to a thing I said. Is that what it's going to be like in the Contest?" Dawn asked with frightened eyes. I frowned at her. There was a sad feeling in the air as we all watched Dawn put away Mamoswine's Pokéball. I had never felt so frightened of a Pokémon before. I was worried for Dawn. But if anyone could get through to Mamoswine, it had to be her.
~:~
Dawn still wasn't in the best mood the next day as we went back to the Gym. She tried to hide it with enthusiasm for Ash and I, but I could still see it. I was sure that Brock and Ash could see it as well, but they didn't bring it up. Mamoswine was still with Nurse Joy at the Pokémon Center for some final tests. Thankfully, it wasn't in a rage when it awoke this morning.
"Well, you're back. You're in luck since Byron's back, but…" the Gym attendant said to us when we met him at the door. "His son's visiting."
"What does his son have to do with a Gym battle?" Dawn asked. Byron must be really family-oriented to not allow Gym Battles on the days family visited. I frowned when I heard the sound of loud voices arguing.
"I love fossils!"
"I love them more!"
The attendant led us onto the battle field where two men were arguing. I recognized one of the men as Roark, the man who had given me my first Badge. The other was a man with brownish-purple hair and beard. He wore a white, sleeveless shirt, white gloves, a tattered, dirty cape, tattered, miner's pants, and dirty boots.
"It's Ash and Gabi. How are you?" Roark asked us.
"We're fine. It's great to see you Roark," Ash answered for us.
"Are they friends of yours?" the older, bearded man asked. Why was he holding a shovel?
"Yes. They challenged my Gym and each won a Badge from me," Roark says. "But like I was saying, I love fossils more! I have my own collection back at the Oreburgh Gym!"
"You call that a collection? Look at this," the other man brags. He then lead us all away from the field and into another room. The room was only shelved walls that were littered with rocks. Roark was marveling over a large rock at the front of the room and I frowned. This was all very interesting, I was sure but…
"My Rampardos is way better than your Bastiodon!"
"I love Bastiodon! Nothing beats a strong defense!"
This was just one, big shouting match. I sighed.
~:~
We were sitting on the sidelines to watch Roark and his father, Byron's, battle. Byron had up and abandoned his wife and son in Oreburgh and left the Gym in Roark's care. Byron had left to take care of the Canalave Gym instead and dig up fossils on Iron Island. Apparently, Roark felt that Byron wasn't the best father in the world. Go figure…
"Rampardos, use Zen Headbutt!"
"Bastiodon, Iron Defense!"
We watched this process repeat several times and I frowned. Roark was at a disadvantage. He was trying to pierce the impenetrable shield that was Bastiodon's face. It would be hard to try and get around Bastiodon's defense. And it's moves weren't too bad either.
"Iron Defense! I love defense!"
I watched Bastiodon's face glaze over again. But, the move stopped at its face. I leaned to the side to get a view of Bastiodon's back. It wasn't being strengthened at all. The back was exposed even though it wasn't being exposed. I frowned at my thoughts. They made sense to me at least… I smirked. Byron's was going down. I had found a hole in his perfect defense.
"Bastiodon, Iron Head!" Byron yells. The move hits Rampardos head-on and sends the Pokémon back. Rampardos attempts to get back up, but collapses in exhaustion. Byron was declared the winner of the match and he faced Roark with a sort of resolute expression. "Son, you have raised a fine Pokémon. There is something I want to show you."
Being the nosy bunch that we are, we followed Byron and Roark back into the fossil collection. Byron removed a wooden box from one of his shelves and opened it to Roark. I peered over Roark's shoulder to get a view at what was inside. It was… another rock. Monferno sighed against my back. I nodded my head at her. I felt the same way.
"Is that a Sunkern fossil?" Roark asked with shock in his tone.
"It is by far the most valuable fossil in my collection," Byron says.
"Is it the fossil I gave you all those years ago?" Roark asked in a soft tone.
Byron nods. "I left the Oreburgh Gym to you because I knew that you would be able to care for the Gym and grow into the Leader I see before me now," Byron says.
I smiled at that. It meant more than anything in the world to have a parent who loved and supported you, even if they do it in their own special way. Seeing this precious, family moment made me miss my family. I had to call home.
~:~
"Thank you for remembering me dear. It means a lot," Mom says with a smile.
"That's okay. I have my Gym battle first thing tomorrow so I should get some rest," I say. Mom, Monferno, and I say our good byes and I end the call. Dawn, Brock, and Ash had also made the effort to call home after seeing Byron and Roark make amends today. Dawn and Brock had already gone to bed, but I wasn't sure about Ash.
I rounded a corner to see Ash still sitting at the phones with no one else around. Was he still talking to his mom? It made sense. Ash didn't call home as often as Dawn or I did. So why did I get the feeling that Ash wasn't exactly talking to his mother?
"It'll be nice to talk to her again. Won't it, Pikachu?" Ash asked his partner. His mother?
"Hello?" a girl on the phone screen asked. She was about my age with short, reddish-orange hair that she had down. She had cerulean colored eyes and a pleasant smile. "Ash, is that you?"
"Hey, Misty. How's it going?" Ash asked with a large grin. So that was Misty. I grinned. She was pretty. Was she Ash's girlfriend or something? I frowned. No way. The thought of Ash being interested in anything romantic was about as likely Brock giving up on women.
"Everything's great, Ash. The Gym's great and my Pokémon are as strong as ever," Misty responded. Monferno was standing on my shoulders to get a better view, but still remained mostly behind the wall where we stood. Misty gave Ash a fond smile then. "I'm really happy you called Ash."
"I am too, Mist," Ash said with a fond smile of his own. He even had a nickname for her! Okay. Maybe Ash was capable of romantic feelings? This Misty had to be more than what Ash let on. Could it be that even Ash didn't notice what could be going on? That seemed more like Ash. He was just like a brick wall, but I had learned that even the best defenses had holes…
Once Ash had hung up from his call, I tiptoed out from behind the wall. "So Ash. Who was that?" I asked. If I ought right proclaimed her to be his girlfriend, he'd deny it until his face turned blue.
Ash was surprised to see me smiling behind him. "Oh. That was a friend of mine. Her name's Misty. She's the Leader of the Cerulean Gym in Cerulean City," he answers.
"She's really pretty," I say casually. Of course Monferno saw through my efforts, but Ash was none the wiser.
"Uh… I guess… Well, I'm going to bed now. Good night Gabi!" Ash rushed off. He dashed away from me, taking wide leaps. I smirked at Monferno. She snickered lowly and we went off to bed as well.
~:~
"I love defense!" Byron yelled from across the field. I blinked at him to clear my eyes. It looked like small explosions had gone off behind him and kicked up dust clouds. My eyes were playing tricks on me again…
"This will be a three-on-three battle! When all three Pokémon on one side are unable to continue, the match will be over. Furthermore, only the Challenger may substitute Pokémon," Roark officiated.
"Then, I love Bronzor!" Byron exclaimed.
"Dratini, let's go!" I yell.
"Bronzor, Gyro Ball!" Byron exclaimed.
"Dratini, use Twister!" I countered.
Dratini began whipping up a large Twister that Bronzor flew towards at full speed. Dratini's moves were much stronger than when I had first met him. He had come a long way. Bronzor moved towards the Twister before being pulled into it and being trapped inside. I smirked. Once Dratini stopped his attack, Bronzor was sent hurtling towards the ground.
"Bronzor, Flash Cannon!"
"Dodge it Dratini!" I yell. Slithering about the field, Dratini moved out of the way of each of Bronzor's attacks. "Slam!" I yell. Launching himself into the air, Dratini readied to strike Bronzor down. I frowned when Bronzor moved to the side and Dratini continued to fall. Seeing his panic, I called out to him. "Use Twister!"
"Flash Cannon!"
Dratini levitated mid-air with the Twister spinning around him. The Flash Cannon hit the Twister, but instead of exploding it wound around the Twister. I had to thank Dawn. It was her idea to use Twister as a defense to oncoming attacks. "Send it back!" I yell.
Bronzor fell to the ground after the combination hit it. "Now, use Wrap!" I yell. Dratini moved towards Bronzor quickly, wrapping its metal body with his own. Bronzor grimaced in pain slightly before glaring. Dratini was opening his mouth then. I squinted my eyes. What was that? Before my eyes, Dratini fired off an attack at close range. It was Ice Beam! "Dratini, you learned Ice Beam! Let's finish this. Use Slam!"
"Gyro Ball!" Byron commanded. Bronzor broke out of its icy prison and spun towards Dratini. The two Pokémon rushed at each other before colliding in the middle of the field. I watched to see what happened to Dratini.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
I recalled Dratini with a smile. "I'm proud of you for learning Ice Beam. You were amazing for your first Gym battle," I say to him.
"I hope you realize that this battle is just getting started! I love Steelix!" Byron exclaims.
"I know. Vaporeon, your turn!" I respond. "Hydro Pump!"
"Screech, Steelix!"
Steelix opened its maw to fire off sound waves at Vaporeon. He stopped his attack to cover his head with his paws in pain. I covered my ears in pain, but Byron looked unaffected. "Shut it up with Rock Smash!" I yell. Thankfully, Vaporeon heard me over Steelix's screeching. He jumped high above Steelix to bring down his tail on Steelix's head from above. Steelix was sent back with its eyes shut tightly. "Use Surf!"
"Use Bind, Steelix!"
Vaporeon rode the wave towards Steelix, waiting for the right time to dodge. Just before Steelix had grabbed him, Vaporeon melted into his wave and caused Steelix to miss. The large wave continued on, washing over Steelix and pushing it back.
"Steelix is unable to battle! The winner is Vaporeon!"
"Amazing work as always Vaporeon. A job extremely well done," I say and recall him. Vaporeon gave me a happy smile. "Your turn Monferno." Monferno flipped out onto the field, ready to go.
"I looooveeeee Bastiodon!" Byron exclaimed with large explosions this time. I rubbed my eyes to clear them. Maybe I had dirt in my eyes…
"Flamethrower!"
"Iron Defense!"
Like I thought it would, the Flamethrower was deflected and Bastiodon took no damage. Byron was smirking. "Flame Wheel!" I command next. Monferno rolled towards Bastiodon quickly, fully prepared to enact our strategy.
"Iron Defense!"
Bastiodon's face blocked Monferno's advance completely. Byron looked downright cocky now. I sent him a smirk of my own. "Mach Punch!" I yell. Stopping her Flame Wheel at once, Monferno flipped over Bastiodon's head and climbed onto his back. With two, glowing fists, she began wailing on its back repeatedly.
"Throw Monferno off!" Byron called out.
"Hold on tight!" I call out to her. Monferno gripped the metal spikes at the side of Bastiodon's face and held on as Bastiodon began bucking widely. Even though she could have been sent flying, Monferno still found it appropriate to grin and laugh. At least she was having fun. "Mach Punch!" I yell. She used the attack to push Bastiodon into the ground hard. "Flamethrower!" From close range, Monferno released her attack onto Bastiodon's back. The attack began forming into a ball of fire that exploded and sent both Pokémon flying. Monferno flipped away looking energized by her own fire. Bastiodon skidded away, it face set in a hard glare.
"Metal Burst!"
"Flamethrower!"
I shielded my eyes from the bright explosion. The winds were whipping around the field and scattering smoking embers around. I coughed to rid my lungs of some of the smoke. I turned back to the field.
"Bastiodon is unable to battle. The winner is Monferno! That means the victory goes to Gabi, the Challenger!"
~:~
Moi-Moi: The Mine Badge is won! Hooray!
Next Time: Enter Riley and it's Curtain's Up at the Chocovine Contest!
Edited: 10/19/13