The Eevee Showboat paid a special visit to the Orange islands Fire and Rescue Department on Ascorbia Island. Summer and Yuki helped a recruit's Pokémon gain more confidence during an emergency, saving many lives in the process. Now the boat has arrived on Kumquat Island, the final location of the Orange Islands gyms. However, due to the battle format and type disadvantages, Summer must contend with two Pokémon known for their bickering. Will they be able to overcome their arguments and triumph?

P.S. A special thanks to Fancyyy for allowing me to cameo his character, Lows, in his story, Hoenn - Where the Journey Begins. It's a great story, so go ahead and check it out if you haven't yet :)

Chapter 20- Double the Effort

After a few more days out on the sea, the Eevee Showboat arrived on Kumquat Island. I gazed at the view from the deck and saw a developed land covered with hotels, shopping, and a sprawling beach. Not only was it a well-traveled destination spot, it was also the location of the last Gym in the Orange Islands. As Yuki and I were about to disembark, the crew walked towards us carrying duffel bags.

Yuki was confused. "Aunt Daisy, where are you all going?"

Her aunt laughed. "We're coming with you two to the Gym."

"Really?" I asked. "But why do you have duffel bags?"

Will hinted, "Oh, you'll see."

"But who's going to watch the ship?" Yuki inquired.

Pyro, Charge, Cactus, and Starlight happily popped out of the first floor door. "They don't like to be in hotels," Marybelle stated with a slight grin. "Besides, they like watch guard duty."

"All right then," Daisy shouted enthusiastically. Let's head to the Kumquat Gym!"

She led us through the bustling downtown area filled with boutique stores, skyscrapers, and fancy hotels to a twenty-story hotel at the northern edge of the urban area. It was a yellow building, which complemented the sand on a nearby beach.

A woman with short red head hair and blue eyes gleefully dashed out of the glass double doors. She wore a dark blue dress, a yellow cardigan with green trim, and dark brown sandals. She hugged Daisy and they squealed.

"Daisy, it's so good to see you again!" the woman shouted jovially. Her voice was slightly deep, but it had a hint of a mother's touch.

"It's been a long time, Luana!" After they split apart, Daisy said. "You remember Will, Marybelle, and Yuki?"

"Of course! The stellar crew and your fabulous niece. But who's this newcomer?"

"This is Summer. She's Yuki's new friend and a Trainer."

There was a glint in Luana's eyes. "A Trainer, huh? Something tells me this visit isn't just a vacation."

"Does that mean you're the Kumquat Gym Leader, Luana?" I asked.

She laughed, then boldly crossed her arms. "You bet! And I assume you're here to challenge me?"

I nodded. "What test do you have for me?"

She cheekily grinned. "I don't have one. If you defeated the rest of the Orange Crew, that's a passing grade for me."

"Oh, good. Then what are the battle rules?"

"You're pretty detailed, aren't you? It's a 2 on 2 doubles battle. I can give you until tomorrow afternoon to get used to the format."

"That's fine with me. I haven't done double battles since I graduated from school."

"Hmm…" Luana mused. "Anyway. You're welcome to stay in my hotel for the night. I let challengers and their guests rest here and enjoy the amenities. It makes the journey here worth it."

"Thanks, Luana. I can see why Daisy, Will and Marybelle are here too."

The Gym Leader laughed playfully. "Oh, she knows that rule all right. It's been a family tradition to let Trainers and friends stay for free during Gym challenges. Why don't you check into your rooms and explore before your training? We have an indoor pool, a natural hot spring, two restaurants, a computer lab, a large park, beach access, and a movie theater, as well as a battlefield where our challenge awaits. I'll check everyone in."

"Wow, that's a lot of amenities," I replied, amazed at the amount of luxury I was getting for free. "Want to come with me, Yuki?"

"Of course!" she squealed. "I can help with your training too."

"All right then. We'll be in the hotel if you need us, girls," Daisy said as the crew entered the building first.

Yuki and I followed afterwards. We put our things down in our room on the fifth floor, noting the detail in the dark green carpet and oak furniture, and headed downstairs. We passed by the pool, which was in the shape of a very large kumquat, the restaurants, and the large chandelier in the lobby before exiting the hotel and walking onto the warm sand of the beach.

I let out all of my Pokémon, who were very excited to be on a beach again. "So," I addressed my team. "The Gym rules state that it'll be a doubles battle. Who wants to do it?"

Their excitement turned into seriousness. "What Pokémon will Luana use?" Flower asked, tilting her head slightly.

I looked at the Pokémon Gym app on my Pokégear and found her icon. "It says she uses an Alakazam, named Hoshi, and a Marowak named Hisui."

Errol stroked his chin. "That would mean over half of our group is vulnerable to that combination of types."

"Errol dude!" Swirls realized. "That means we're a battling posse!"

"P-Posse…?" he stuttered. "May I please not battle with Ms. Swirls?"

"Whatcha mean, Errol dude?!" the Poliwhirl indignantly retorted. "I can hot-dogging it!"

"But your demeanor says otherwise. You are extremely lax."

"And you are an uptight bummer."

"Okay, that's enough…" I interrupted, shocked and upset at Errol and Swirls' arguing. "Both of you are right. You two are the best pair in this battle, and Swirls has been doing great lately. So I'll use you two for my Gym challenge."

The two angrily looked away, making the rest of my team nervous. Hopefully the training will give them more confidence in each other.

Later that day…

"Blaze, Flamethrower! Lightning, Thunderbolt! Flower, Razor Leaf! Rocky, Rock Throw!"

The four Pokémon launched their long-range attacks at their teammates. But instead of working together to dodge the multiple attacks, they focused on their own movements and ending up hitting each other, making them vulnerable to the onslaught. Both fell to the ground and glared at each other.

"Errol dude! You were supposed to dive left!"

"And I say you must implement the right evasion technique!"

I groaned. They've been arguing like this for the past three hours. Maybe it's time to try something else. I looked at Yuki, who was observing the terrible results. "Yuki, you've been in double battles. Can you give me some advice?"

She played with her hair. "Hmm… Why don't I battle you, Summer? Maybe Swirls and Errol can learn by watching Momo and Ume."

I glanced at the Poliwhirl and Noctowl angrily turning away. "I hope they can."

My friend giggled as she let out her Wartortle and Swellow. "Momo, Ume, we're going to have a practice Contest battle. Let's show them some of our combinations."

"You got it, Yuki!" Momo shouted as he ran across from me.

Ume flew into the air. "Let's show them."

As they stood in front of us while the rest of my Pokémon walked to the landward side of the beach, Swirls and Errol noticed something was going on.

"What's up with the change, Dudette?"

"I asked Yuki to battle us and see her combinations. Hopefully, it'll teach you two to work together."

Errol begrudgingly flapped his wings. "I hardly think this attempt would be fruitful." Swirls nodded her head, agreeing with him for once.

"Come on," I pleaded. "Just give it a try."

"Fine…" they mumbled and faced their opponents.

"You can have the first move, Summer!" Yuki shouted.

"Thanks, Yuki. Swirls, use Water Gun on Ume!" The Tadpole Pokémon immediately shot a stream of water at the blue Flying type.

"Ume, dodge and use Quick Attack on Swirls!" She evaded the Water Gun and circled around it, highlighting her blue feathers.

"Errol, stop Ume with Psychic!"

As his eyes glowed magenta, Yuki thrust out her right arm. "Momo, stop the Psychic with Rapid Spin!"

The Turtle Pokémon ducked into his shell and spun around into the psychic energy. This made the attack more powerful as Momo slammed into Errol's chest. At the same time, Ume slammed into Swirls' stomach. Both Pokémon were pushed back, but they still looked physically okay.

I smiled. "I see, Yuki. You used our offense to power up your moves and defend Ume."

"That's right! In a double battle, both Pokémon need to recognize the dangers they and their partner face. The Trainer also needs to be aware of these things in order to guide the Pokémon."

I absorbed all of the useful information. "Okay. Go ahead and attack us."

"You got it! I've wanted to try this combination for a while. Ume, Aerial Ace! Momo, Blizzard!"

The Swallow Pokémon dove towards the ground as the Wartortle exhaled the gust of snow. But instead of aiming it at Swirls and Errol, the Blizzard surrounded the light of the Flying type move. This made a funnel-like effect, with Ume's beak at the center.

Noticing there was a small opening, I shouted, "Swirls, use Ice Punch!" Guiding her with the attack, we threw an uppercut to Ume's chin, knocking her upwards. "Now throw her back with Psychic!" Errol nodded and flew in front of the weakened Pokémon, his eyes glowing magenta.

"Momo, use Aqua Tail to absorb the blow!"

The whirlpool from the Wartortle's tail reduced the impact of the combined hits as Ume flew out of the swirling liquid.

We were amazed at the creativity of the defensive maneuver. "That was amazing, Yuki! I didn't know Aqua Tail could be used like that."

"That's the fun of double battles! Learning how to use moves in unusual ways."

I looked at my Pokémon, who were beginning to tire from the battle. "Why don't we take a break? Yuki and I can discuss strategies while you two rest." They nodded, and the four joined the others, who were resting under a palm tree. As we stared at the beautiful sight of the ocean, Yuki and I continued our discussion.

The nine Pokémon decided to explore the beach and split into two groups, male and female. The boys wandered towards a sandbar while the girls played at a tide pool.

Errol was farther behind Blaze, Rocky, Ichigo, and Momo, muttering about the earlier events. "Why must she be so difficult to work with?! I am not an 'uptight bummer'..."

"Hey Errol," Rocky asked, interrupting the Noctowl's inner monologue. "Why don't you want to battle with Swirls? Is something wrong?"

"Oh! It is just her personality, that is all. I prefer not to battle alongside those who do not share my passion for the art of battling."

"But she's been training a lot," Ichigo, who was riding on Rocky's head, pointed out. "I wouldn't mind battling with her."

"I agree," Momo added. "I think she's a fun Pokémon to work with."

"Well, I prefer to be more serious in battle," Errol scoffed. "After all, a simple mistake can undermine the plans for victory."

Blaze helped his arms behind his head and smirked. "If I didn't know any better, Errol, I'd say you have a crush on Swirls."

Errol gaped at the Blaziken's conjecture but obstinately remarked, "I have no idea what you are implying, Mr. Blaze. But I assure you, that is not the case."

"Blaze does bring up a point," Rocky noted. "I mean, even though I was the last member to join, I could tell you liked her. You banter with her a lot."

"And you commented about her jargon first, worked on Hypnosis training with her, acted with her in the performances-"

"I understand, Blaze, I've done all of those things with her. However…"

"However what?" Rocky inquired.

The Flying type landed on the Rock type's head next to Ichigo. "I...I…I am worried I will embarrass myself during our battle."

Blaze groaned. "Errol, you can't think that. If you do, you will do the thing you're worried about."

"Why must you always make sense?"

The Fire type grinned. "Trust me, I learned that with Lightning. If I can do it, so can you. Just apologize to her first, then it'll be easier to tell her how you feel as a friend rather than a foe."

Errol, defeated, replied, "Very well. I shall discuss with her after our walk."

As Momo and Blaze sat on Rocky's tail, the Onix teased, "Am I now a taxi service?"

"Hey, walking on sand takes its toll!" Momo bantered.

Everyone laughed, and Rocky continued to the stretch of sand carrying his passengers.

At the tide pool...

Swirls sadly sat inside the enclosed pool as Lightning, Flower, and Ume sat on the dark brown rocks next to her.

"I still don't know why you keep arguing with Errol," Lightning commented as she swirled the water with her tail. "You do like him, right?"

"Can't make up my mind…" the Poliwhirl softly replied. "Errol dude is a boss and a bogus..."

"You know," Flower offered some insight. "I heard from Rocky that Errol has some feelings for you, Swirls. Maybe you should tell him how you feel."

"But that'll change our dynamics, Flower dudette! I don't wanna make him more ticked off at me."

"Why not apologize to him first and work together? If you can't work with him, Swirls, then you can't win the Gym battle…"

The Water type sighed and floated on her back, staring at the clouds. Would it really be okay if I tell him?

Ume noticed Rocky approaching and flew towards the boys. Summer's Pokémon exited the rocky enclosure and met with the others. Errol and Swirls caught each other's eyes and quickly turned away.

Blaze sighed. "Errol, do you have something to say to Swirls?"

The Noctowl landed on the beach and extended his right wing. "Ms. Swirls. I apologize for my actions earlier. What I uttered...was inexcusable. If we want to defeat Ms. Luana, we must assist one another with Ms. Summer's help."

Swirls looked at Errol's wing, then at the Pokémon. "Errol dude… It's my bad too. Let's show them and Dudette how rad our teamwork is."

Errol genuinely chuckled as they shook hands, or wings in his case. As everyone cheered, they ran back to their Trainers and told them the exciting news.

Later that day…

After a delicious dinner of chicken and roasted potatoes and Pecha Berry pie, I sat on the dark green linen beds of our hotel room. I felt better Swirls and Errol were battling as a team after our break. But the nervousness before a battle still remained.

Yuki's still using the bathroom. Maybe I should watch some TV…

I turned the 36-inch TV, where the local news channel was showing "News around the World". On the screen was Daisy May, informing the viewers about battle-related news.

"With the Hoenn League is still underway, we are focusing on a Trainer currently participating this year each week until the start of the regional tournament. This week, we will focus on Lows Landerson, a new Trainer from the Kanto Region." A boy with a cheerful grin appeared on the image screen. "Lows is from Pallet Town, and his starter Pokémon was a Squirtle. Despite his rough start and the intense competition, he has persevered through the league and has recently obtained his seventh badge against Winona, the Flying-type Gym Leader. He currently has a Wartortle named Surfer, a Linoone named Ziggs, a Kirlia named Grace, a Grovyle named Woody, a Machoke named Power, and an Absol named Shadow. Based on his progress, Lows has the strength to obtain his final Gym Badge and perform well during the regional tournament."

That sounds like a really solid team. I hope he does well. Maybe I'll meet him in person someday. Suddenly, my face felt warmer than usual when Weldon's face appeared on the screen.

"Our last segment features the 2004 Indigo League Winner Weldon Leland. In just four days, Weldon will begin his Elite Four challenge to earn the right to battle Red, the Kanto Champion. He spent the last few months training in Victory Road, and he informed us he was ready for the challenge. Per the Elite Four challenge rules, Weldon will battle each member in four consecutive days. If he is successful in defeating all of the members, he will battle Red after a day of rest. We all look forward to watching Weldon's battles, and they will be shown on the Pokémon League Association Network. Thank you for watching News Around the World, and we hope you have a good night."

Wow...it's been that long since the Indigo League? That was the last time I saw him...and it seems he's moved on since that incident. I...I hope he can beat Red…

"Who can beat Red?"

Startled, I turned around and saw Yuki in her light blue nightgown and a towel turban on her head. "Oh, just a Trainer challenging the Elite Four."

She took off the towel and brushed her hair. "Weldon Leland? He's supposed to be battling them soon, right?"

"Yeah...in four days…"

She noticed my sentence trailed off. "Are you worried about him, Summer?"

"He's a good Trainer. He'll do well for sure."

She softly smiled. "I see. He does seem like a strong Trainer. Let's get some rest and train some more before your Gym battle."

I nodded. "Okay, I'll get ready for bed. Good night, Yuki."

"What's wrong with this key?!" the OIATO boss frustratingly shouted as he jammed the brass item into a lock behind him.

Sheila was equally annoyed. "There shouldn't be any issues with it."

He sighed. "Where are Magma and Terra?"

"They're setting up the detonation systems around the targeted hotels. Why?"

The man paced around the room. "I heard rumors that there's an eavesdropping Diglett within our organization. I believe that this confirms it."

"You really think Magma or Terra is the Diglett?"

"We'll find out when they come back tomorrow. But for now, let's keep this discussion to ourselves."

"Yes, sir."

After lunch, Yuki, the Eevee Showboat crew, and I descended the elevator to the battlefield below the hotel lobby. While everyone else was excited, I didn't share the same sentiment. Okay, we can do this. Swirls and Errol worked really hard yesterday and this morning. Now, I have to make sure that training was well spent.

The steel doors opened, revealing a large dirt battlefield surrounded by purple bleachers and walls. The lights above lightly dangled from the gust of air expelled from the elevator. As everyone else took their seats in the east bleachers, I walked a few steps forward, where Luana and a man with short black hair and a blue suit were waiting for me.

"I haven't been this excited for a battle in such a long time!" she happily exclaimed. She then turned her head to the left. "Sheldon, can you please referee this battle?"

He bowed. "Of course, Me. Luana." He then walked to the referee's box and shouted, "This match will be a doubles battle between Summer Scorcher and Luana. The challenger will have the first move, and the winner is decided when both Pokémon on one side are unable to continue. Trainers, choose your Pokémon."

"Hoshi, Hisui, let's team up!" The Alakazam and Marowak landed on the ground and glared at me.

My fear slowly dissipating, I threw my Pokéballs into the air. "Let's go, Swirls and Errol!"

The Poliwhirl jumped to the ground as the Noctowl flew upwards. I smiled as they readily looked at each other.

"Let us display our teamwork, Ms. Swirls."

"Right on, Errol dude!"

Sheldon waved his arms. "Battle begin!"

Luana's eyes slightly narrowed, showing her competitiveness. "Show me what you got, Summer!"

"Okay! Swirls, use Water Gun on Hisui!"

She squirted the strong spray of water at the Ground type, but Luana uttered no commands. The Marowak placed his bone forward and spun it around, causing the super effective attack to spread outwards.

"Hoshi, use Confusion on the Water Gun and throw it at Errol!"

The Psychic type expertly took hold of the five streams of water with blue energy, combined them, and sent it at the Flying type. Despite my attack being used against me, I grinned.

"Errol, use Confusion as well!" He nodded and attempted to take control of the incoming attack.

As both Pokémon fought for dominance, Luana took advantage. "Hisui, Bonemerang!"

The Marowak wound up his bone and threw it at the vulnerable Water type. However, I thought of a great strategy.

"Swirls, stand your ground! Errol, move the Water Gun and hit Swirls!"

Everyone except Yuki was confused as Swirls crossed her arms in front of her and braced herself while Errol forced the Water Gun downwards. As the bone hit the Poliwhirl's arms, the water drenched her skin and made her glow green.

Luana laughed when Hisui caught his bone and Swirls shook off the excess water. "What a clever strategy! You used Swirls' ability to recover all the damage from the Bonemerang. Very impressive."

I smiled. "Thanks, Luana! Our training's really paying off."

"I agree, but try to handle this combination!" As Hisui threw his bone again, Luana commanded, "Hoshi, Confusion!"

The Alakazam bent his spoons and took hold of the hurtling weapon, first aiming it at Errol.

Even though Bonemerang is a Ground type move, if it's controlled by a Psychic type move, it can do some damage… Maybe that'll work. "Errol, dive at Swirls!"

Despite the danger, Errol nodded and made a deep dive at his partner, the glowing blue bone slowly inching towards him. At the last moment, I formed a fist.

"Swirls, Ice Punch!" Swirls jumped up and over Errol, and we made an uppercut motion.

The light blue energy made contact with the hard bone and slowly froze it. Hoshi, whose powers were connected to the object, winced in pain and held his head, apparently suffering from a mental brain freeze. The frozen bone then flew into the air

Luana, knowing she had to help Hisui retrieve his bone, shouted, "Hisui, grab your bone with Double Edge!"

The Bone Keeper Pokémon surrounded himself in a large white energy and sprang upwards towards his weapon. Unfortunately for him, Errol was expecting it.

"Errol, Hypnosis!" His eyes glowed purple, and the hypnotic circles touched Hisui's eyes.

As the Marowak fell to the ground, asleep, his partner was able to catch him with his psychic powers. But before Luana could issue another command, I heard several booms coming from outside. Everyone froze, until...

"Summer, can we postpone our Gym battle?" Luana seriously spoke. "It seems like I'm needed outside."

I nodded. "Can we help you?"

She paused, but decided, "Yes. I think that would be best. Let's go."

We ran up the stairs and out of the hotel lobby. What awaited us were clouds of black smoke on top of ten tall buildings, and we instantly knew who the instigators were.

Pokémon: Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Ice Punch

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

What do you think of Errol and Swirls' relationship?

Who is the Diglett in OIATO?

What did you think of the battle before it was interrupted?