It was a new day at the pokemon lodge. Kristine put on her gear and walked towards the lobby of the lodge. She was previously told that Jason was progressing steadily back to full health, but he still needed at least one more day under care, and one additional day of bedrest.
The two had talked with their mother together yesterday. Kristine realized how relieved their mother was to see Jason, considering what he had been through recently. Kristine was just glad all of that was over with, that her brother is safe and recovering.
With most of their supplies being left behind, Kristine was able to requisition fresh food and camping supplies from the lodge, which had plenty of both. Nurse Joy cleared Swellow from her overnight stay for precautionary reasons, and Kristine was able to recall her back into Jason's pokeball. She also received word that Fletchinder was doing well and was flying en route to the lodge.
She walked outside, over to a flat area just off the path to begin her morning training. The weather was nice, and the snow began to melt away. Kristine took a deep breath and embraced the cool, crisp, and fresh air that she loved.
"Okay guys and gals," Kristine began to pull out her pokeballs. "It's show time!"
"Hi Kristine!" Kristine suddenly heard Amanda's voice behind her.
Kristine halted what she was doing and turned around to see Amanda.
"Hi Amanda!" she happily greeted.
Amanda was wearing a blue jacket and a pink scarf for the cold weather.
"So, I did get the Tranquility Badge," Amanda said with a smile on her face.
"Well, congrats!" Kristine smiled back.
"How are things going?" Amanda asked.
"Good," Kristine said before sighing. "Well, better."
"Nothing like trekking through the Mountains, huh?"
"My brother came down with the flu the other day," Kristine lightly spoke.
"Oh no!" Amanda gasped. "Is he okay?"
Kristine gave a light smile. "He will be."
"That's good at least," Amanda acknowledged. "How are you holding up?"
"I think I'm okay. I'm just trying to get some training in as he recovers. Nurse Joy says she'll be able to release him tomorrow."
"That's good," Amanda gave a smile. "Would you like to have a pokemon battle for training?"
"Sure," Kristine said. "Like a three on three?"
Amanda nodded.
"Okay," Kristine took some steps back. "I have two Pokemon who have yet to battle."
"I have one more to my team as well," Amanda took some steps back as well, pulling out one of her pokeballs. "Shall we begin?"
Kristine gave a smirk, and pulled out her pokeball. "Machop, showtime!"
"Machop!" Machop came out with a determined look. It was the first time he fought someone other than Riolu, as well as Jason and Kristine's pokemon.
"Come on out, Nidorina!" Amanda threw out her pokeball.
"Nido!" the light blue quadruped greeted. She possessed red eyes, large rounded ears, and large poison spikes on its back. Her sharp claws and teeth made her intimidating to opponents, unless if that opponent was Machop.
"Nidorina, huh?" Kristine used her pokedex to examine the creature.
"Nidorina, the Poison Pin Pokemon, and the evolved form of female nidroran," the Pokedex explained. "Nidorina have a gentle temperament. They emit ultrasonic cries that have the power to befuddle foes."
"Okay, Nidorina! You ready?" Amanda faced her pokemon.
"Nidorina!" Nidorina gave a determined nod.
"Charge at Machop with Bite!" Amanda commanded.
"Nido!" Nidorina ran towards Machop.
"Machop, use Foresight!" Kristine responded.
Machop locked his eyes on Nidorina, reading and anticipating her movements.
Nidorina closed right in on Machop.
"Vital Throw! Now!" Kristine issued.
"Machop!" Machop grabbed a hold of Nidorina before she could connect with Bite.
"Poison Sting, and quick!" Amanda yelled.
Before Machop could throw Nidorina backwards, Nidorina's spikes glowed as they effectively struck Machop.
"Machop!" Machop endured the strike, throwing Nidorina behind him. The velocity and power of the throw was amazing even to Kristine; Nidorina slammed hard against the wall of a nearby cliff.
"Machop…" Machop had poison marks on his chest.
"Machop, you've been poisoned!" Kristine became concerned.
"Machop!" Machop pounded his chest.
Kristine smirked. "That's right. Machop's special ability is Guts. His attacks hit harder when he has a status effect."
Kristine faced Machop. "Close in on Nidorina with Karate Chop!"
"Machop!" Machop charged at Nidorina.
"Nidorina, Double Kick!" Amanda commanded.
Nidorina was able to get up and shake herself off. She then faced her back towards Machop and kicked her legs in an effort to strike him.
"Dodge, Machop!" Kristine yelled.
Machop jumped back from Nidorina's double kick, and ducked from another attack.
"Turn around and Fury Swipes!" Amanda issued.
Nidorina turned around and got into close quarters with Machop in an attempted to slash him with her razor sharp claws.
"Low Sweep, Machop, let's go!" Kristine responded.
Machop ducked once more and used his left foot to sweep underneath Nidorina, knocking her down.
"Nidorina!" Amanda yelled.
"Karate Chop!" Kristine followed up.
Machop struck Nidorina's side with Karate Chop, sending her tumbling back.
"Double Kick again!" Amanda issued.
Nidorina struggled to get back up, and began kicking her back legs towards Machop once more.
"Let's use Vital Throw!" Kristine called.
Machop grabbed one of Nidorina's rear legs and threw her across the field. Nidorina came crashing down, clearly unable to get back up.
"Oh no!" Amanda pulled out her pokeball, and recalled Nidorina. "Return, girl. You did good out there!"
"Machop!" Machop pounded his chest, but the poison was doing a significant amount of damage to him. He fell down on one knee as a purple mist covered him.
"Return, Machop!" Kristine recalled her pokemon. "Let's get some rest."
"I guess it's a good idea to recall Machop," Amanda said.
Kristine simply nodded, and pulled out her second pokeball.
Amanda did the same. "Okay then, let's go Staravia!"
Amanda threw out her pokeball, bringing out Staravia.
"Staravia!" Staravia greeted.
"Alright," Kristine pulled out her second pokeball. "Snorunt, showtime!"
"Snorunt!" Snorunt jumped out of the pokeball, facing Staravia.
"Snorunt, huh?" Amanda smirked. "You might have the type advantage, but I have a couple tricks up my sleeve."
Amanda faced Staravia. "Work Up!"
"Staravia!" Staravia flapped her wings and took to the skies. She soared over the field, pumping herself up for the battle
"Work Up, huh?" Kristine seemed intrigued.
"We've spent a lot of time training, and she just kinda learned it," Amanda replied.
"I see," Kristine gave a nod. "Okay, Snorunt, use Icy Wind!"
"Snorunt!" Snorunt projected an icy wind directed at Staravia.
"Staravia, Double Team!" Amanda commanded.
Staravia projected multiple copies of herself all around Snorunt. The Icy Wind blew right through several of them.
"Now use Quick Attack!" Amanda followed up.
Staravia emerged from her copies and dove down on Snorunt, striking her side. Snorunt tumbled over and over, but landed upright, ready to go.
"Staravia!" Staravia took to the skies, ready for another attack.
"Now use Wing Attack!" Amanda issued.
"Snorunt, Ice Shard, quick!" Kristine called.
Staravia dove down on Snorunt. Just then, Snorunt shot out a shard of ice, effectively striking Staravia and knocking her out of the sky.
"Close in with Ice Fang!" Kristine followed up.
Snorunt charged at Staravia, projecting large fangs made of ice right before her mouth.
"Quick Attack again!" Amanda responded.
Staravia regained herself and charged at Snorunt, striking her before she could attack with Ice Fang. Snorunt tumbled back several times.
"Now go for a Wing Attack!" Amanda followed up.
Staravia dove down on Snorunt with glowing wings once more.
"Double Team, Snorunt!" Kristine responded.
Snorunt projected multiple images of herself. Staravia flew right through three of those copies.
"Ice Shard, let's go!" Kristine yelled.
"Dodge it!" Amanda responded.
Snorunt shot out another shard of ice, which Staravia narrowly dodge in the sky.
"Now dive down at full speed!" Amanda followed up. "Let's go for Quick Attack one more time!"
"Staravia!" Staravia dove down towards Snorunt at full speed.
"Icy Wind, Snorunt!" Kristine commanded.
Snorunt blew an icy wind at Staravia. Staravia flew right through the wind, taking damage but still following through with her attack. She struck Snorunt, sending her tumbling back once more.
"Now let's finish this with Wing Attack!" Amanda continued her assault.
Staravia flew right at Snorunt with glowing wings. Snorunt was unable to react in time to the powerful attack, and was struck head on. She flew backwards before tumbling over on her back, unable to get up.
"Snorunt!" Kristine yelled in concern.
"Good job, Staravia!" Amanda cheered; though it was clear Staravia was fatigued from the battle.
"Return, Snorunt," Kristine recalled her Pokemon. "No worries. It was your first battle!"
Amanda did the same to hers. "Get some rest, Staravia. You did excellent!"
She then faced Kristine. "My Wartortle against your Espeon! Let's do it!"
"Sounds great!," Kristine gave a smirk, pulling out Espeon's pokeball. "Okay, Espeon, showtime!"
"Espeon!" Espeon greeted with grace as soon as she was summoned.
"Let's do it, Wartortle!" Amanda threw out her pokeball.
"Wartortle!" the dark blue pokemon chanted.
"You ready, Espeon?" Kristine asked her pokemon.
"Espeon!" Espeon nodded.
"Okay," Kristine acknowledged. "Espeon, Calm Mind!"
Espeon's eyes turned white as her special offensive and defensive capabilities boosted.
"Wartortle, use Water Gun!" Amanda commanded.
Wartortle shot a powerful burst of water out of his mouth at Espeon.
"Dodge it!" Kristine yelled.
Espeon jumped out of the way of Wartortle's Water Gun.
"Espeon, let's use that new Psybeam of yours!" Kristine issued.
"Espeon!" Espeon's eyes glowed purple. Then, she released a beam of telekinetic energy at Wartortle. The white and purple beam shot right at him.
"Wartortle! Protect!" Amanda responded.
Wartortle placed his hands before himself, ready to embrace the attack. Espeon's Psybeam impacted a barrier that Wartortle projected. As the attack dissipated before Wartortle, a turquoise shield appeared around him. Wartortle's defensive move successfully stopped Psybeam in its tracks.
Amanda smirked. "That's a powerful move, all right."
She then faced Wartortle. "Espeon's weak to dark type moves. Attack with Bite!"
"Wartortle!" Wartortle closed in on Espeon.
"Swift!" Kristine issued.
Espeon fired a swift of stars at Wartortle.
"Quick, use Rapid Spin!" Amanda responded.
Wartortle retreated into his shell and began spinning as Swift closed in on him. He was deflecting star after star away from him as they exploded upon impact with the ground. He rocketed towards Espeon, and struck her.
Espeon slid back from Wartortle's successful Rapid Spin.
She's much better than the last time we met! Kristine thought. But you know what? So am I!
"Water Gun, Wartortle!" Amanda followed up.
Wartortle jumped back and fired Water Gun at Espeon.
"Counter it with Psybeam!" Kristine yelled.
Espeon fired Psybeam right from her eyes. It splashed against Water Gun head on. Neither move overpowered the other as the pressure built from both attacks. Then, Psybeam created an explosion, turning Water Gun into an aura of mist that covered most of the field.
"Quick Attack, Espeon!" Kristine quickly issued.
Espeon charged at Wartortle.
"Protect!" Amanda called again.
Wartortle prepared to embrace the attack.
"Halt!" Kristine declared.
Espeon stopped right before Wartortle.
"Now Calm Mind!" Kristine followed up.
Espeon sat down before Wartortle as her eyes glowed white.
Amanda chuckled. "Good move, Kristine. Wartortle, Bite!"
Wartortle lunged forward, ready to bite Espeon.
Kristine followed through with her plan to hit Wartortle head on. "Psybeam!"
Right before Wartortle was able to clamp down on Espeon, she was able to project Psybeam, striking Wartortle at just three feet away. The attack sent Wartortle flying into the air.
"Wartortle!" Amanda gasped.
"Now Espeon, Swift!" Kristine followed up.
Espeon fired another swift of stars at Wartortle. He was struck by star after star before he slammed against the ground.
"War…tortle…" Wartortle struggled to get up.
"Psybeam one more time!" Kristine commanded.
Espeon fired another Psybeam at Wortortle.
"Protect!" Amanda responded.
Wartortle once again embraced Espeon's Psybeam, fending it off with a protective shield. Wartortle looked exhausted, having to endure two powerful attacks from Espeon just moments before.
"Wartortle, Water Gun!" Amanda followed up.
Wartortle fired another powerful burst of water at Espeon.
"Use Swift to combat it!" Kristine responded.
Espeon's swift of stars met Water Gun head on, exploding against the water stream on impact.
"Now jump up and use Psybeam!" Kristine followed up.
Espeon jumped high into the air and fired Psybeam at Wartortle.
"Protect!" Amanda yelled.
Wartortle tried to defend from the attack, but he was fatigued. His shield was not strong enough to stop Psybeam. The beam broke through, striking him and sending him tumbling back over and over. He was unable to get up.
"Yes!" Kristine cheered. "Good job, Espeon!"
"Oh no," Amanda looked down in shame. She quickly recollected herself, and put a smile on her face.
"Return, Wartortle," she recalled her Pokemon. "You did great out there."
Kristine also recalled Espeon.
"You're a tough trainer," Kristine commended Amanda.
Amanda snickered. "Well, you still beat me. You're strong. You and Jason both. But one day, I'll beat ya!"
"Did you ladies just have yourselves a Pokemon battle?" Julian suddenly approached Kristine and Amanda.
"Hi Julian!" Amanda greeted. "Fancy seeing you here."
"I've been in the area since last night," Julian gave a nod. "Hey, Kristine."
"Hi," Kristine waved.
"Where's your brother?" Julian asked in curiosity.
"He's recovering from a flu," Kristine responded. "He'll be okay."
"Oh man," Julian said. "I hope it wasn't a severe one."
Kristine gave a slight sigh. "It was. But he's okay now."
Julian smiled. "That's good, at least."
So, did you catch any new pokemon lately?" Amanda asked Julian.
Julian looked to his left and right, and noticed the field was massive. Massive enough to show off his new pokemon.
"I caught this guy a few days ago," Julian said with a smirk on his face. "Let's go, Onix!"
Jason threw his pokeball at a considerable distance, summoning the giant rock snake behemoth that is Onix. He towered over all three trainers and roared.
"Whoa," Amanda took several steps back.
Kristine pulled out her pokedex to examine Onix.
"Onix, the Rock Snake Pokemon," the pokedex explained. "It usually lives underground. It searches for food while boring its way through the ground at 50 miles per hour."
"Jason and I saw one just burrowing its way through the Mountains just the other day," Kristine mentioned.
"This guy popped out in front of me," Julian chuckled. "So he fought Pancham. And now he's a part of my team!"
Julian recalled Onix. "You can return now."
He then turned to Kristine. "Can I go see Jason?"
Kristine smiled. "Sure!"
"I suppose I can, as well," Amanda added.
"Absolutely!" Kristine nodded.
Kristine, Amanda, and Julian proceeded back towards the pokemon lodge. Once inside, Kristine led the others towards Nurse Joy at the center of the lobby.
"Morning, Kristine!" Nurse Joy greeted.
"Hey," Kristine smiled. "Can some friends of ours see Jason?"
"Absolutely!" Nurse Joy smiled. She led the three towards the back into Jason's room.
"Jason is doing really great today," Nurse Joy informed before opening the door. "If you all need anything, let me know."
Kristine was the first one to walk inside.
"Hey bro," Kristine waved.
"Morning, sis," Jason waved back, and leaned up on his bed.
Julian and Amanda then walked inside.
"Hey guys," Jason seemed surprised to see them.
Julian and Amanda both waved.
"We heard what happened," Amanda spoke.
"Yeah, you get well soon," Julian added.
"Nurse Joy says I should be released tomorrow," Jason responded. "But then I'm supposed to take it easy."
"Which means you really need to take it easy," Kristine said with a smile on her face, crossing her arms.
Jason laughed lightly. "I guess I need to, huh?"
"Well, it's not like you're getting out of the Mountains anytime soon," Amanda chimed in.
"Still got four more Outposts and one Pokemon Lodge," Julian said.
"Still a lot of work to do," Jason replied. "I guess the best way to get through it is if we take our time."
"Just enjoy the scenery!" Amanda suggested. "Besides, you need to have fun while being a trainer!"
"I got sick in the first place because I pushed myself way too hard," Jason added. "It won't happen again."
"Good," Kristine walked over and placed her hand on Jason's shoulder. "I think we can all admire your hard work ethic. Just remember that you need to watch out for yourself, too."
"Gotcha," Jason placed his hand over Kristine's.
"Hey," Julian faced Jason. "You catch any new Pokémon since we last met?"
Jason nodded. "I got Riolu."
"Good," Julian replied. "How about your Riolu against my Onix once you get back on your feet?"
Jason smirked. "I'm down for it."
"But Riolu has a type advantage," Kristine noted.
"Type advantages can only mean so much," Julian said. "Besides, fighting at a disadvantage is great when you want to become a better trainer."
Jason put into consideration what Julian just said. He believed Julian was right. Jason knew he excelled the most when he really feels the pressure in a Pokemon battle.
"You should get some more rest," Kristine suggested to Jason. She then took her hand off of Jason's shoulder.
Jason nodded. "I'll be up and about tomorrow!"
"I'll see you around, Jason!" Amanda waved goodbye.
"Yeah, man," Julian gave a nod.
"Thanks for stopping by," Jason smiled.
Julian and Amanda left the room.
"I can't wait to get out of here," Jason said to Kristine. "I don't think my Pokemon can wait, either."
Kristine chuckled. "I'm sure they'll be happy to see you out there and healthy."
She then proceeded towards the exit. "I'll see you tonight, okay?"
"Okay," Jason acknowledged.
Kristine left the room and shut the door. She walked out into the lobby with Julian and Amanda.
I'm going to spend one more day here before I head out," Julian said. "It's nice to get a break in the middle of the Mountains."
"Yeah," Amanda agreed. "I think I'll do the same."
"Well, we'll be spending at least two more nights here," Kristine snickered.
"I'm going to get some training in," Julian spoke. "I'll catch you guys later."
"Hey, mind if I hang out with you?" Amanda asked Julian. "Join you, I mean. Uh, train with you, I mean."
Julian shrugged with a smile. "Uh, yeah, sure."
Kristine saw the subtle advance Amanda made towards Julian.
Amanda looked at Kristine. "You can come with us too, if you want!"
"I think I'll hang back and relax," Kristine smiled. "Thanks, though."
"Ok, well, we'll see you later!" Amanda waved goodbye as she and Julian departed from the pokemon lodge.
Kristine spent the day at the Lodge, letting all five of her pokemon out the entire time. She knew it was a good time to continue to wind down and relax following the stressful and near-tragic situation just a couple days ago.
She sat on a rocking chair before a fireplace, with Espeon resting at her side. Machop was not too far away practicing fighting techniques, while Fletchinder, Snorunt, and Pikachu explored the lobby together.
"I see you're trying to rest up, as well," Kristine heard Diego as he approached behind her.
"Yeah," Kristine replied without turning her head. "It's not like I can do much, anyways."
Diego stood at Kristine's left, looking towards the fireplace. "How are you doing?"
This caught Kristine off guard. She was concerned about Jason's safety, and still is. She figured too much of Jason had rubbed off on her, and she didn't realize that her mental health would be affected, even after she decided to continue the adventure of a Pokemon trainer.
"I'm fine," Kristine spoke after a brief moment of silence.
Diego turned to her. "I know it's a scary thing, having to go through what you did. I'm glad your brother's going to be okay."
"Yeah…" Kristine sighed. "Jason's the type of boy who wouldn't give up on anything. I figured I couldn't give up on him. I had to save him. I had to protect him, because there was no other option. His Ralts evolved into Kirlia while trying to save him. All of our pokemon weren't intending on giving up, either."
"He's very fortunate to have you as his sister," Diego added.
"And I'm fortunate to have him as my brother," Kristine replied. "He frustrates me sometimes. Yet if you really get to know him, he's loyal and caring. He's a real leader," she then faced Diego. "He's my twin, yet sometimes I feel as if he's my older brother. He knows about pokemon behaviors and abilities better than I do."
"Surely there's something you're better at than him," Diego replied.
"Well," Kristine gave a slight laugh. "I am the social one. I also know my geography a lot better than he does."
Diego chuckled. "It sounds to me you both have strengths that compliment each other in your travels. It's okay to admire your brother. I don't know you both very well, but I believe that admiration is mutual."
"You're probably correct," Kristine smiled. "I'm just so happy he's going to be on his feet tomorrow."
"You know, you should consider competing in the Power Duo in Richland Port," Diego suggested. "It's a tag battle tournament running once a month. They draw in big crowds, especially in the final round."
"We should consider that," Kristine replied. "We've been talking about competing in televised tournaments."
"The Power Duo has many competitors along the east coast of Inventum," Diego continued. "But rarely do they get competitors coming from the Mountains. I would really like to see how you two would do, coming all this way and showing the competition how it's done."
"If anything, I think the Mountains made us both stronger as individuals," Kristine said. "Though, we're not even halfway through it."
"If you take it easy, the last half is a breeze," Diego said. "Don't push yourself. Just go steadily, and you'll make it out just fine."
Kristine smiled once more. "Thank you so much, once again."
Diego smiled back. "Anytime. I'll let you be while I head back to work."
"Hopefully it's not very demanding."
"Eh," Diego shrugged. "A lot of paper work and organizing shift rotations."
"Sounds like fun."
"If you like sitting around at a desk for eight hours straight."
"Ouch. Well, good luck!"
Diego laughed. "Might need a little bit of that."
Diego left Kristine's side, heading upstairs.
Later that night, Kristine had dinner at the open kitchen, sharing a long table with several other trainers, before heading upstairs. She even wondered where Julian and Amanda ran off to, having not seen them at all. They probably got all flirty with eachother, Kristine suspected, thinking they perhaps went on a stroll together under the night sky.
She headed off to her room later on, and went to bed early. She was eager for the next day to arrive, so that she could see Jason on his feet. She slept soundly for nearly ten hours until the next morning.
Kristine got up and quickly got in the shower. After getting dressed and ready for the day, she headed downstairs, anxious to see her brother. She noticed that Nurse Joy was not in the lobby, so she headed towards the back where her brother was being kept.
She saw the door slightly open, so she proceeded inside.
"Take these meds with you," Nurse Joy said to Jason, who was standing up. "This will help keep your immune system bolstered. The main thing is to keep the flu out of your body to avoid chronic illness."
"Gotcha," Jason gave a nod. He wore a black t-shirt and blue jeans, ready to head out.
"I have your backpack right over here in the corner," Nurse Joy pointed out. "And I believe that is all. You're good to go! Just remember to take it easy before heading out."
"We'll be staying here for one more night as you suggested," Jason smiled. "I don't want to put my sister or pokemon through that ever again."
Nurse Joy glanced at Kristine, prompting Jason to realize she was there.
"If you need anything, just let me know," Nurse Joy smiled before leaving the room.
"Nurse Joy," Jason grabbed her attention. "Thank you for everything."
Nurse Joy gave a nod. "It's my duty to help people and pokemon alike!" She then left the room and headed back into the lobby.
Kristine approached Jason. "Hi."
"Hey," Jason smiled.
Kristine then gave Jason a big, tight hug. "I swear, if you die on me, I'm going to yell at you so loud, you're going to hear it."
"I won't ever put you through that again," Jason hugged back.
"You're not just my twin," Kristine continued. "You're my friend, and a darn good one at that."
"And I'm glad to have you as a sister and a friend," Jason smiled. "At least you keep my sorry butt in check."
Kristine took her arms off of Jason with a grin on her face. "I try to."
Jason took his arms off of Kristine as well. "I owe you my life. I owe you and –"
"No you don't, don't say that," Kristine generously replied.
"How else should I say it?" Jason asked. He showed his wrist to her, which still had injection marks from the potions she used on him. "You and our pokemon saved my life."
"It wasn't like we had a choice," Kristine replied.
"Still," Jason insisted on expressing his gratitude. "And you're not the only one to thank."
He pulled out his pokeballs and brought out Jolteon, Kirlia, Swellow, and Riolu. He handed Magikarp's pokeball for Kristine.
"Can you hold him for a sec, please?" he asked.
Kristine nodded, and released Magikarp, holding him in her arms.
"I just want to say thank you, everyone," Jason addressed his pokemon. "You all did your part in saving me, and that is much more than I ever could have asked."
Jason's pokemon chanted their names with confidence. They were all committed to standing by his side until the very end.
Jason kneeled down to Kirlia's eye level. "And Kirlia."
Kirlia walked forward. "Kirlia!" she gave a bow.
It was the first time Jason actually got to see Kirlia. She seemed to be more outgoing than when she was Ralts.
"I heard you used Heal Pulse to help save me," Jason continued. "And you evolved while doing it."
"Kirlia!" Kirlia nodded.
"Thank you," Jason smiled.
He got back up. "Thank you again, everyone. We'll be continuing our way across the Nappalchan Mountains tomorrow.
Jason then recalled his pokemon. He faced Kristine as he put on his jacket. "Let's get some fresh air."
"Right with you," Kristine smiled.
For the first time since he was emitted in the Pokemon Lodge, Jason freely walked out to the lobby. He stretched his arms and legs.
"It's good to actually move around," he said.
"I can imagine," Kristine replied. "Idle in bed for the past few days? Totally not like you."
Jason proceeded towards the exit of the pokemon lodge.
Kristine followed him outside, where he embraced the cold, crisp air.
"Nothing like the good old outdoors!" Jason took a whiff of fresh air.
Jason and Kristine could see Julian and Amanda from a distance, packed up and ready to head out.
"Hey guys!" Kristine greeted as she approached them.
"Oh, hey!" Amanda waved back.
"Look who it is!" Julian approached Jason.
Jason smiled. "I'm back in the action."
"That's good to hear," Julian patted Jason on the shoulder.
"Julian and I are getting ready to head out together," Amanda said. "We figured it's a good idea if we team up through the latter half of the Mountains."
There's just one thing we gotta do, Jason," Julian smirked. "Riolu versus Onix!"
"Let's do it!" Jason smirked back.
"You just got released from the pokemon lodge," Kristine smiled and rolled her eyes. "Are you sure you wanna jump into a battle so quickly?"
"Being out of action for three days is enough," Jason made his case.
"Fair enough," Kristine accepted.
"Kristine, we should totally be duo refs again!" Amanda suggested excitedly.
"For sure!" Kristine was just as excited for it.
The four walked over to the same spot Kristine and Amanda fought the previous day. Julian took to the far side of the field and faced Jason.
"You ready?" he asked.
Jason gave a nod. "Absolutely."
"Today's pokemon battle is between Jason Kyar and Julian…" Kristine spoke, but realized she didn't know Julian's last name. She faced him. "What's your last name?"
"Varrek," Julian said.
"Julian Varrek!" Kristine finished.
"The battle is a one versus one, meaning that the last pokemon standing wins!" Amanda added.
Kristine faced Jason. "Challenger Jason, are you ready?"
Jason blandly looked at his sister. "Uh, yes."
Amanda faced Julian. "Challenger Julian, are you ready?"
Julian chuckled. "Yes I am."
"Then let the battle begin!" Amanda and Kristine announced at the same time.
"Standby, Onix!" Julian used his Pokeball to summon Onix.
The massive rock snake roared as he towered over everyone.
"So that's Onix," Jason smirked. He then pulled out Riolu's pokeball. "Okay, Riolu, let's go!"
"Rio!" Riolu howled as soon as he was summoned.
Jason took note at the fact that Riolu didn't seem at all intimidated by Onix and his sheer size.
"Riolu, let's use Quick Attack!" Jason commanded.
Riolu charged at Onix.
"Onix, use Rock Tomb!" Julian responded.
Onix roared, and slammed the ground with his body. This caused the ground to shake, as massive rock formations appeared to surround Riolu.
"Force Palm your way out of there!" Jason yelled.
Riolu kept running forward and blasted his way through the rock formation in front of him with Force Palm.
"Dragon Breath!" Julian followed up.
Onix locked right on Riolu and fired a bluish flame at him. Riolu was unable to dodge the attack.
"Riolu!" Jason looked on, seeing that Riolu took a direct hit.
Riolu was at one knee, but he withstood the attack. He faced Onix with determination.
Jason smirked. "Let's use Copycat!"
Riolu stood back up with a blue aura that outlined him. He glared at Onix, and fired Dragon Breath right back at him.
Onix roared as he took a direct hit from his own attack. He managed to stand strong, however.
"Onix, use Tackle!" Julian commanded.
Onix lunged forward at Riolu.
"Use Force Palm, let's go!" Jason responded.
Riolu charged at Onix. He slid underneath the behemoth as he roared right over him. Riolu then rolled to the side and jumped into the air before striking Onix's neck using Force Palm. The super effective attack knocked Onix to the ground, though he was quick to get up.
"Use Rock Tomb to trap Riolu!" Julian yelled.
Onix faced Riolu and slammed the ground once more, trapping Riolu inside massive rock formations from all angles.
"Now use Tackle!" Julian followed up.
Onix smashed through his own Rock Tomb and struck Riolu head on. Riolu flew right through the rock formation behind him, and tumbled over and over again across the field.
"Stand strong, Riolu!" Jason yelled.
"Let's finish this!" Julian saw the opportunity to win. "Onix, Dragon Breath!"
Onix roared, and fired another blue flame at Riolu.
"Endure!" Jason called.
Riolu stood there, using his arms to brace the attack. The blue flames consumed him.
"Alright!" Julian cheered.
The smoke and flames cleared. Still Riolu held on from the attack. He was gasping for air, but he still held on.
"How did he make it through Dragon Breath?" Julian seemed surprised.
Jason smirked. "It's an ability called Endure, which allows Riolu to brace an attack that would otherwise knock him out."
He then faced Riolu. "Copycat!"
Riolu projected a blue aura once more. He then unleashed Dragon Breath back at Onix, striking him head on.
Onix slammed to the ground, and struggled to get back up.
"Run in and Force Palm!" Jason sought to finish this battle.
Riolu charged at Onix and struck his head with Force Palm. Onix slammed to the ground once more and was unable to get back up.
"Onix is unable to battle!" Amanda declared.
"Riolu is the winner!" Kristine added. "Good job, Riolu!"
"Rio!" Riolu howled.
"Return, Onix!" Julian recalled him. "Great effort out there."
"You too, Riolu!" Jason recalled Riolu.
Julian faced Jason. "You're one tough opponent."
"So are you," Jason commended.
Julian smirked. "Next time, I'll win."
He faced Amanda. "Shall we head out?"
"Sure," Amanda nodded.
"Well, guess we'll see you guys on the east coast!" Julian made his farewell, and headed towards the main path.
"Stay safe out there!" Kristine waved goodbye.
Amanda approached Julian. She then turned her head to Jason and Kristine. "Bye all! See you soon!"
"See ya!" Jason replied.
Julian and Amanda soon departed, heading back onto the road that runs east across the Nappalchan Mountains.
"Well," Jason turned to Kristine. "They're getting stronger."
"Our friend-rivals are getting stronger," Kristine smirked.
"Which means we need to be stronger," Jason added.
The twins proceeded with their morning routines. After one more day taking it easy at the pokemon lodge, they were ready to finally head out. Their main goal is getting to the Eastern Pokemon Lodge, but they knew they had a long way to go. And they realized that the best way there is the slow and steady way. Nonetheless, their drive to become the very best never fizzled. If anything, they became stronger together since entering the Nappalchan Mountains. And they knew they would emerge from the Mountains stronger than ever…
Character Updates (because they're a bit past due). Here's where everyone is at, or where they're presumed to be:
Jason Kyar - Central Pokemon Lodge
Pokemon: Jolteon, Swellow, Kirlia, Magikarp, Riolu
Kristine Kyar - Central Pokemon Lodge
Pokemon: Espeon, Fletchinder, Pikachu, Machop, Snorunt
Julian Varrek - Last seen at Central Pokemon Lodge
Pokemon: Grotle, Pidgeotto, Pancham, Onix
Amanda - Last seen at Central Pokemon Lodge
Pokemon: Wartortle, Staravia, Ledian, Nidorina, Feebas
Liz - Last seen at the Western Pokemon Lodge. Presumed to be ahead of the twins.
Pokemon: Charmeleon, Mankey, Purrloin, Phanpy
Bran - Last seen towards Nappalchan Approach, training for a rematch with Justin. Presumed to be well behind the twins.
Pokemon: Ivysaur, Kadabra, Hoothoot
Alex - Last seen in Central Pokemon Lodge. Presumed to have headed out following his conversation with Kristine, and is likely well ahead.
Pokemon: Monferno (presumed that Chimchar evolved), Beedrill, Rhyhorn, Sneasel, Panpour (these are his last known pokemon, as he claims to have much more)