Chapter 25 (pt. 2)
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: Let's get started!
~:~
"Let's move guys! We're gonna miss our flight!" I exclaimed. Ash, Brock, and Dawn walked towards me with yawns escaping them. Lucas was sleeping while standing up.
"Tell me again why you got us tickets for the first plane outta here," Ash mumbled and rubbed his eye.
"Because we have to get going now! Just think about it! Our eight badges are waiting for us!" I exclaimed and grabbed Ash by his shoulders. I quickly let go of his and he lost balance, nearly falling over.
"But, Gabi. I'm not going to Sunnyshore. I told you that I'm heading to the Hearthome Gym," Lucas spoke, now awake.
"Well, now you're up and dressed. All you have to do is get to the pier!" I exclaimed with a smile. Turning quickly, I took the lead. "Let's get moving!"
I had made sure to get tickets for the first flight out of Snowpoint City that was heading to Sunnyshore City. Luckily, the sea plane was leaving at six thirty in the morning and would have us in Sunnyshore by ten o' clock. Not even everyone's grumpy groans and moans could dampen my mood. I would have my eight badge before the day is out and then my League preparations can begin.
~:~
I wasn't as energized as I had originally thought. Half an hour into the flight, I had fallen asleep on someone's shoulder. This was probably due to me getting about three hours of sleep last night. But, I couldn't help it! I was going to face off against Volkner in a few hours. I was just a tad bit excited.
"Gabi, wake up. We've landed. Gabi?"
I could hear someone's voice and feel someone shaking me. I grumbled. Who was interrupting my dream? I was having an amazing battle.
"Piplup, no!"
I felt a wave of watery bubbles hit my face before popping. It was enough to coat my face in a fine spray of water, but not enough to soak my clothes. I blinked m eyes open, wiping at my face furiously.
"At least she's up…" I heard Brock mumble.
Sunnyshore City was just as amazing as described in the guidebooks. There were solar panels located on nearly every building, moving sidewalks, automated trashcans, and the solar-powered Sunnyshore Tower towering high above the rest of the city. Sunnyshore City was like a city of the future.
"This place is amazing!" Ash exclaimed.
I was looking around at the street signs. I smiled when I found what I was looking for, "This is our ride. Hop on!" I exclaimed and pointed to a sidewalk to our left. We jogged over to the sidewalk before allowing it to take us away.
"The Sunnyshore Tower is amazing. We have to see it before we leave!" Dawn said.
"As soon as we get our badges, we'll tour the sights for sure!" Ash proclaimed.
Once we were at our stop, we stepped off the sidewalk and began walking towards the Gym. With each step, I felt my anxious behavior returning full force. It was a miracle that I hadn't broken out in a sprint yet. "There it is!" I yelled. The Sunnyshore Gym seemed pretty plain with its gray color. In was a round, cement buildings with windows lining the top and more solar panels shading the Gym. The solar panels were held up by red, metal support beams.
Leaving my friends behind, I ran up to the door. Surprisingly, it didn't automatically open for me. "Welcome to the Sunnyshore Gym. How may I help you today?" an automated voice asked over a loud speaker. Ooh, fancy…
"I would like to have a Gym battle please!" I proclaimed.
"Request confirmed. Please take a badge to your right," the voice went on. I blinked in confusion. A metal container opened up to reveal a pile of badges sitting inside. I took one out hesitantly. What?
"What's going on, Gabi?" Ash asked once he and the others had caught up. I showed him the badge with confusion on my face.
"At the Sunnyshore Gym, we skip the battling and give all challengers their badge. Please have a nice day."
"Skip the battling? What are you talking about? I came for a Gym battle, not a free badge!" I yelled.
"Please vacate the premises."
"Dumb machine. Open the door! I want to see Volkner!" I yelled. I proceeded to bang on the door with my fist. I didn't come all this way for nothing. I wanted a battle! With my yelling and my friends' talking, I couldn't hear the machine anymore.
"You will be removed from the premises."
I felt a metal arm grip my mid-section and lift me into the air. I let out a frantic shriek in surprise. I was going to be removed from the premises by an automated security system. Hopefully, Officer Jenny wouldn't be notified…
"Infernape, use Mach Punch!"
I stopped shrieking when the metal arms around me shattered into pieces. I blinked in confusion before falling to the ground. I waited for the ground to greet me, but it never did. Instead, Infernape caught me with a worried glance. "Thanks Infernape. That was quick thinking," I said to her. She placed me onto my feet and I surveyed the damage. The metal arm was broken. Volkner wouldn't like that.
"Are you alright?"
I looked up to see a man standing behind Ash and Brock. He had a red afro and wore black, metal wristbands and choker with a tight, yellow polo, gray slacks with unused red suspenders attached to them, and sandals. He placed his hands on his hips with a smirk. "Well, if it isn't Short-stuff," he said.
"Hi, Flint," I greeted him.
"Wait a minute. Aren't you Flint from the Elite Four?" Brock asked.
"The one and only," Flint smirked. He approached me and pulled me to him in a half-hug. "I shoulda known you'd be coming here for a badge sooner or later, Short-stuff."
"Gabi, how do you know Flint?" Dawn asked with wide eyes.
"I've known her since she was in diapers. Are these your friends?" Flint asked.
"Yeah. We came here so Ash and I could have a battle with Volkner, but he's just giving away badges!" I exclaimed in frustration.
Flint frowned then. "I know. I came to talk to him. I was hoping I could knock some sense into him, but I'm not sure how well that will go over," Flint said. I was about to say something else, but Flint cut me off. "Is this your Infernape, Short-stuff? You picked Chimchar. I knew you'd be a Fire type Trainer. I knew it all along…" Flint said with a large grin. I rolled my eyes at him. "She looks pretty strong, too." I looked at Infernape then. She was sending me a smug look. I waved her off. Flint just had to compliment her…
Just then, I noticed Flint's Infernape move closer to my Infernape. I watched him place an arm around her casually with a grin that looked eerily like Flint's. Infernape shot him an annoyed look, but Flint's Infernape didn't budge. Suddenly, Ash exclaimed loudly in surprise. We looked at him to see Monferno let himself out of his ball. Monferno was breathing fire as he glared at Infernape.
"Not again…" I moaned. Flint snickered.
"Monferno! Calm down!" Ash tried to hold his Pokémon back. Monferno looked ready to kill as he tried to shove himself out of Ash's grip. Flint's Infernape stuck his tongue out at Monferno while my Infernape rolled her eyes. That was the last straw for Monferno, however. He launched himself at Infernape with a Mach Punch ready. Flint's Infernape was ready for him, striking him back with his own Mach Punch.
"Oh, boy," Flint muttered and scratched his head with a hopelessly lost look. Monferno was sent flying and landed on his back. Ash went to check on his Pokémon while Flint's Infernape looked pretty pleased with himself. My Infernape glared at him harshly before punching him in the face with her own Mach Punch. Flint's Infernape was bowled over and knocked onto his back by her attack.
"Anyways, let's get going. If I know Volkner, he'd probably be at Sunnyshore Tower. Let's get you two that battle you want," Flint said. We started walking away from the Gym then, on our way to Sunnyshore Tower. Flint tried to make small talk as we headed over there. "Volkner and I go way back. We met here in Sunnyshore City. I'll never forget the day. As if it were fated, we had a battle that day and I won. But it wasn't long before he was challenging me to a battle again. And this time, he won. We battled day in and day out to see who was the top Trainer in the city. Some of the best battles I've ever fought were against Volkner back when he still had his Pikachu."
Flint's story had taken up more time than we had thought. We were already at the doors of Sunnyshore Tower when he finished. We took the elevator to the top, Flint using a key card to get on the restricted top floor. Once we got to the top, Ash, Brock, and Dawn moved to look out at the view of the city. I looked around for Volkner.
Hearing a low growl, I stopped. Facing us with angrily sparking cheeks was a Raichu. Infernape moved to defend me, but I held her back. "Raichu, it's good to see you," I said to it. It's attitude doing a 180, Raichu broke out in a grin. Raichu stepped up to me and nuzzled my legs. I knelt down to hug him happily. "It's so good to see you."
"Hey there, Raichu. How's it going?" Flint asked. Raichu waved at him happily from my arms.
Suddenly, a door opened. I looked up from the floor, my smile dropping faster than a falling rock. I stood and glared. It was Volkner. He stood with his hands in the pockets of his blue and yellow jacket. He wore a grey shirt under it with gray jeans.
"What are you doing here?" he asked me in a monotonous tone.
"I came to have a Gym Battle with you," I told him with an angry tone.
"Didn't you see the badges at the Gym?" Volkner asked and moved to look out at the city.
"I did."
"Then why are you here?"
"Because I want a Gym battle! Weren't you listening?!" I exclaimed.
"Do me a favor: just take the badge and go," Volkner said and waved me off. I clenched my fist around the badge I had picked up from the Gym.
"You better have a battle with me or…or…," I tried to think of something- anything! "Or I'm telling Mom!"
Volkner didn't even flinch. He sent me a dry look. "I'd like you to leave, Gabi," he said and turned away from me. It hurt. I was so frustrated with him, but I didn't know what else to say. With as much force as I could, I chucked the badge still in my hand at his head. I heard it hit with a small thud before clinking onto the floor. And with a frustrated noise, I stomped away from him and out of the Tower.
~:~
After leaving the tower, Flint had taken us to a coffee shop. I was so angry that I didn't speak to anyone. I just folded my arms and steamed. I glared down at the glass of MooMoo Milk before me, imagining Volker's face on the glass. I tried to vaporize it with my mind. It didn't work. Instead, Infernape took the glass and began to drink it for me.
I heard Flint's snicker. "Sibling rivalry is always funny to watch, especially when it's those two," Flint said.
"Gabi, you didn't tell us Volkner was your brother," Dawn said.
"No. I guess not. I figured that we get here eventually, so…" I trailed off. "The Sunnyshore Gym used to be my dad's Gym. But after a while of running it, he wanted to travel again. So, he left the Gym to my brother not too long ago."
"You really had your heart set on battling Volkner. Didn't you?" Flint asked me.
"Volkner wasn't always this way. It was around the time Flint turned twenty that Volkner took over the Gym. Flint left to become more powerful and eventually joined the Elite Four. As time went on, Volkner slowly lost interest in battling and become more and more obsessed with technology. He built the entire power system in Sunnyshore City: the solar panels, the moving walkways, and even Sunnyshore Tower," the shopkeeper informed us while cleaning a glass. It sounded so depressing to hear him talk about Volkner that way. Volkner never called home to talk about this. I never knew. Did Mom know? Did Dad know?
Suddenly, the door chimed, indicating that someone had entered the shop. We all turned to see Volkner walk in and take a seat at the far end of the bar. He asked for his usual, but didn't say another word. I glared at his back. "Did you tell Mom on me?" he asked with a teasing tone.
"Why? Are you scared that I did?" I challenged. He scoffed. "Are you seriously telling me that you won't even have a battle with your own sister? What's the matter with you!?"
"I don't need to get lectured by my baby sister. If it bothers you so much, go to another Gym," Volkner spoke and sipped his drink. I was so ready to leap out of the booth and at him. With more anger than I knew what to do with, I stood sharply and shot death glares at him. I was itching to do something to snap him out of this, but what could I do?
"Flint, why don't you battle Gabi? She wants a battle so badly, why don't you treat her to one in Volkner's place?" the shopkeeper suggested.
"No," I objected firmly. "I came to battle Volkner and I won't leave until I do."
"That's fine. Hey, Ash, why don't you and I have a battle instead?" Flint asked. Ash was shocked. He stared at Flint with wide eyes. I watched Flint suspiciously. What was he up to? "I can see that you want this battle as much as Gabi does. I'd like to experience your spark first-hand."
~:~
I sat fuming in the bleachers on the right side of the shopkeeper with Infernape. Volkner sat on his left with Raichu and stared down with a bored expression at the field. Dawn and Brock sat in front of us. Ash and Flint were facing each other on the field. They were going to have a three-on-three battle. The electronic referee was levitating on the side of the field, ready to work.
"Ready or not!" Flint exclaimed and sent out his Infernape. Flint's Infernape made a show of winking at my Infernape from the field. I was too angry to laugh at the comical scene. She however, made a point to ignore his efforts.
"Buizel, I choose you!"
Buizel started with Water Gun, but Infernape jumped in the air to dodge the attack. Ash called for Sonic Boom, but the attack was blocked by Infernape. Buizel used Aqua Jet, only for the attack to be countered and overpowered by a Flare Blitz.
"Buizel is unable to battle! The winner is Infernape!"
"Monferno, I choose you!"
Monferno was more than fired up, probably going off of his grudge against Flint's Infernape. Ash had Monferno use Flamethrower, Flame Wheel and Mach Punch, but they all were useless. Flint's Infernape used Mach Punch on Monferno and knocked it out easily. My Infernape sighed sadly from next to me.
Volkner stood up suddenly and we all watched him. "This battle is a waste of time. I've seen it all before," Volkner said.
"Would it hurt you to just try and enjoy battling again? I understand that you've lost interest in it, but please Volkner," I stood and pleaded with him. "I'm not trying to be just another Trainer who wants a battle anymore. I'm acting as your sister who is seriously worried about you. This isn't normal. Please just sit back down."
Volkner watched me for several seconds. I tried to show all the worry and hurt that I was feeling for him through my eyes. He was never like this. I didn't know who this person was. But, I knew that I would do anything to get my brother back. Volkner nodded once and took his seat.
"Pikachu, you're up. Use Quick Attack!" Ash ordered. Pikachu ran at Infernape using Quick Attack, and even though it hit, it did little damage.
"Flare Blitz!" Flint instructed
"Volt Tackle!" Ash yelled.
I watched Volkner carefully. I was putting my faith in Ash. It was a long shot, but I was hoping that seeing Ash and Pikachu battle would revitalize Volkner. I watched him watch Ash, but nothing was happening. I bit my lip in worry.
"I'm coming Pikachu!" Ash yelled. Pikachu was airborne after being hit with Flare Blitz. Ash jumped to catch Pikachu, slamming against the wall with Pikachu clutched to him. My eyes widened when I saw Volkner sit up straighter and stare down at the field with wide eyes. I wasn't sure what he was thinking about, but it must have been doing the trick. Slowly, but surely, I could see a new light enter Volkner's eyes.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! The winner is Infernape which means the victor is Flint!"
"It looks like I have some unfinished business after all," I heard Volkner say. I gasped. We all turned to him, but he was leaving the bleachers and heading out onto the field. "Ash, I have to thank you. You were brilliant. Watching your spark has energized me more than I can say."
"Thanks! So does that mean you'll have a battle with me?" Ash asked.
I quickly dashed down onto the field and stood before Ash. "Of course he will. Right after he battles me," I smirk. Volkner smirked at me and nodded.
"Aw, man," Ash groaned.
"Family first," I teased.
"I hope you bring all you've got. You won't win a badge from me easily," Volkner warned. I sent him a confident look.
"Get ready to lose that "Undefeated" title of yours, big brother," I warned him.
~:~
"The battle between, Gabrielle, the challenger and Volkner, the Gym Leader, will now get underway! The battle will be three-on-three with only the challenger allowed to make substitutions! When all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle the battle will be over!"
"You ready?" Volkner asked me.
"Born ready," I replied.
"Go, Luxray!" Volkner yelled.
I gasped. "You have a Luxray? It's gorgeous!" I exclaimed. Volkner smirked at me. "Dragonair, let's go! Use Twister!"
"Double Team!" Volkner responded. Luxray made many copies of itself all around the Twister. My eyes moved frantically between all of them. "Thunder Fang!"
"Spin and use Ice Beam, quick!" I ordered. Dragonair began spinning from inside the Twister, firing his Ice Beam in all directions. Once the real Luxray had shown himself, a stream of Dragonair's attack caught its side. Luxray landed on his feet, its attack halted.
"Shock Wave!"
"Dodge it!" I yelled. Dragonair moved his serpentine body around the Shock Wave, allowing it to move past him. "Wrap!"
"Shock Wave!" Volkner yelled. Dragonair moved in quickly, wrapping his body around Luxray. Just as he did, Luxray released its attack. I watched Dragonair be shocked from close range.
"Don't let Luxray go! Use Ice Beam!" I yelled. Struggling slightly, Dragonair fired his attack at Luxray. The two attacks caused an explosion that shot out dark smoke. When the smoke cleared, I saw that Dragonair was panting while Luxray was gritting its teeth harshly.
"Iron Tail, Luxray!" Volkner yelled.
"Stop it with Slam!" I responded.
I paused when I saw Volkner smirk. He allowed Luxray to get hit and slammed down into the battle field. "Luxray, Thunder Fang," he commanded. Luxray sprang up quickly, sinking its sparking fangs into Dragonair. My eyes widened. He trapped me! "Slam it down!" I yelled.
"Shock Wave!"
"Ice Beam!"
Dragonair began slamming Luxray about the field while its kept its fangs on him. Once its fangs stopped sparking, Luxray released his attack. Dragonair moved quickly, firing an Ice Beam at close range. The two collided with a loud explosion that sent up more smoke. I waited to see the results.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
I recalled Dragonair fondly. He had battled beautifully. I placed his Pokéball at my side and reached for another one.
"I'm somewhat impressed. You're not half bad, Gabi," Volkner said. "Electivire, let's go!"
"Electivire looks really strong. I can't wait to beat it! Kirlia, it's your turn!" I exclaimed.
"Give us your best shot," Volkner smirked. Electivire made a "bring it on" gesture with its hand.
"Kirlia, Magical Leaf!"
"Fire Punch, Electivire!"
Moving its fists at a blinding speed, Electivire was able to completely destroy the Magical Leaf. My jaw dropped before I grit my teeth. That was just like Volkner. "Confusion!" I yelled.
"Ice Punch!" Volkner yelled. Electivire ran at Kirlia quickly, before she could even launch her attack. Electivire sent her flying before she collapsed on the field. I tried to call out to her as she struggled to get back up. "Ice Punch again!"
"You have to dodge it, Kirlia!" I yelled. Kirlia stood and faced Electivire just as it began moving. Readying herself, Kirlia began dodging Electivire's attacks repeatedly. She moved like a dancer, nimbly dodging Electivire's punches.
"What?!" Volkner exclaimed in shock.
"Psychic!" I yelled. Halting in her dance, Kirlia used her Psychic powers to halt Electivire's movements and send him flying backwards. "Magical Leaf one more time!" I commanded. Kirlia allowed the Magical to swirl around her in a circle before sending them after Electivire like hundreds of tiny knives.
"Electivire, use Fire Punch!"
"Teleport!" I responded. Electivire ran at Kirlia and just as he was about to hit her, she vanished. "Confusion!"
I stared at Volkner. He was smiling softly. I smirked at him. "Electivire, Thunder!" he yelled. Electivire pulled itself together quickly, grabbing Kirlia by her arms with its tails. He released his attack, shocking her thoroughly.
"Kirlia is unable to battle! Electivire is the winner!"
With a small smile, I recalled Kirlia. I thanked her for a job well done. I can't remember the last time I was backed against the wall like this. But, this was just what I expected from Volkner. With my remaining determination, I stared up at Volkner. "Let's finish this, Infernape!"
"Your spark is shining brilliantly. This is our last bout, Gabi," Volkner said.
"Flamethrower!"
"Thunder!"
The two moves collided in the middle of the field, neither giving an inch. They exploded loudly in a cloud of smoke that covered the entire field. This was my chance. "Mach Punch!"
"Don't let her get the upper hand! Use Fire Punch!"
I watched Infernape leap into the smoke with her fist drawn. Electivire copied her movements, its fist on fire. From inside the cloud of smoke, another explosion took place that sent even more fiery smoke flying. Infernape leapt out of the smoke, unharmed. Electivire pushed the smoke away with a ready expression.
"Thunder, Electivire!"
"Dodge it and use Close Combat!" I yelled. Infernape leapt to the side quickly, Electivire's Thunder moving past her. In one smooth move, she ran at Electivire quickly, her fist drawn. I was surprised to see her move so quickly. She fired rapid-fire punches at Electivire before kicking him away. She must have taken a page from Flint's Infernape. I smirked.
"Fire Punch!" Volkner yelled.
"Block it!" I yelled. Volkner seemed surprised. I smirked at him. Electivire ran at Infernape before launching its flaming fist at her face. Infernape caught its fist with her hands, before smirking. "Flamethrower!"
"Electivire is unable to battle! Infernape is the winner!"
"I'm impressed as well as surprised. Infernape's ability is Flash Fire. Isn't it?" Volkner asked.
"Yep. So, who's next?" I asked.
"Raichu, you're up," Volkner told his partner. Raichu was Volkner's first Pokémon. He was a gift from Dad. They've been together for years. "If you want that badge, you'll have to get through Raichu first."
"Don't worry. We will. Flame Wheel!" I yelled.
"Thunderbolt!" Volkner yelled.
Raichu used Thunderbolt to hit the ground directly in front of Infernape and halt her attack. She was sent flying with a cloud of dust and rock. "Snap out of it and use Mach Punch!" I yelled. Infernape flipped around mid-air and launched herself like a rocket at Raichu.
"Focus Blast!" Volkner yelled. Raichu released his attack, aiming directly for Infernape. She used her fist to knock away the attack, taking her eyes off Raichu. This allowed Raichu the opportunity to launch a Charge Beam.
When Infernape fell harshly onto the ground before me, I gasped. "Infernape, get up please! Use, Flamethrower!" I exclaimed. She flipped onto her feet quickly and fired her attack.
"Charge Beam!" Volkner commanded his Raichu.
"Follow up with Close Combat," I declared. Stopping her attack, Infernape launched herself at Raichu quickly, catching him by surprise. She punched and kicked at his body with immense ferocity. "Mach Punch!"
Raichu fell to the ground and I waited for Infernape to attack, but she froze up. I saw the jolts of electricity moving across her fur. How could I be so stupid?! Static had paralyzed her. Taking advantage of this, Volkner ordered a Focus Blast. The attack hit Infernape head on and she fell to the ground with black smoke rising off her.
"It's time to finish this. Raichu, use Thunderbolt!" Volkner yelled.
I fell to my knees and leaned towards Infernape. "Infernape, you have to get up! Please get up! I know you can do it. Get up and use Flamethrower!" I pleaded. Infernape wasn't moving. Raichu's attack was plowing through the field, destroying the ground that was in its way. "Infernape!"
The amount of fear, worry, and ten other emotions that I couldn't identify I was feeling was overwhelming. I was sure that I would have teared up if I could remember how. Infernape was sizzling from Raichu's attack. She still hadn't moved. I looked up at Raichu. He was smirking victoriously. And just like that, all those emotions I couldn't name vanished. My natural competitive nature rose up to replace them.
"Infernape, I know that you're not about to lose to them. I know you're stronger than this. You're way too stubborn to give up," I started.
"It looks like this is over…" Volkner spoke. I glared at him. Volkner watched me smugly before his smug smirk fell. Infernape was starting to get up. I decided to take on Volkner's smug attitude. Infernape and I stood at the same time, ready to face off for the last time. "Well, this is a shock."
"We've got one shot at this. Let's show them that fighting spirit. Flamethrower!" I commanded.
"Thunderbolt!" Volkner yelled. Infernape's crown grew larger as she let her fire collect in her mouth. Raichu was storing up electricity, the excess sparking wildly and destroying the battlefield around him. "Go!"
"Now!"
The moves were fired with an intensity that I've never seen before. They collided in the center of the field. I frowned. It wasn't enough. "Infernape, into the flames and use Mach Punch!" I yelled. It was a worth a shot. The flames were large enough for Infernape to leap through with her fist drawn. It was faint at first, but I noticed the red that was tingeing Infernape's Mach Punch. It wasn't quite a Fire Punch, but a flaming Mach Punch. Using the fire as a cover, Infernape jumped out to surprise Raichu. With a loud cry, she brought her fist down onto his head.
After the loud explosion, it was deathly quiet. The field was covered with dark clouds of smoke. I tried to see though it from my box. Was it over?
"Raichu is unable to battle! Infernape is the winner! Which means that the victory goes to Gabrielle!"
I exploded with happiness. I was tempted to lift Infernape, but she beat me to it. We were jumping around and cheering happily. I did it. I had all eight badges…
"I think this belongs to you. You earned it this time," Volkner said to me. He took my hand in his before placing something small in it. I stared down at it. It was my very own Beacon badge.
I wanted to cheer loudly, but I paused. "This one's dented," I pointed out to him. Right at the top was a small dent in the badge.
"I know. You have a heck of an arm," Volkner smirked. I clutched the badge happily. The dent made it special.
"Now, I've got everything I need to enter the Sinnoh League," I said. Infernape winked and gave me a thumbs up. Well, I had almost everything. There was still the matter of my training. I really wanted to spend the rest of my time preparing for the Sinnoh League. With Trainers like Paul and Ash competing, I would need to be at the top of my game. I had to train as hard as I could and as much as I could.
I let out a pained ouch when Infernape pinched my cheek. She barked at me with a huff. She must have been trying to get my attention. She sent me a questioning gaze. "It's nothing, Infernape. I was just thinking. But, I know what I need to do," I answered her. She sent me a curious look. Volkner shrugged at my behavior, probably chalking it up to "little sister weirdness".
~:~
The next day, Ash had won his eight badge against Volkner as well. Now, we were both ready to enter the Sinnoh League. But, the League wasn't for a little over two months. Now that he had his badges, I wondered what Ash would do next. I had already made up my mind…
"This is great Ash! Now, You've got all eight badges! And I'm gonna be so ready for my next Contest. I'm one step away from the Grand Festival!" Dawn exclaimed happily. I smiled at her enthusiasm. We were standing outside the Gym at sunset. Flint and Volkner were standing next to each other, looking down on us.
"So where are you going from here?" Flint asked.
"Where headed to Lilypad Town for my next Pokémon Contest," Dawn informed.
"It was nice seeing you Gabi. It's a shame that you have to leave so soon," Volkner said with a fond smile. Flint nodded in agreement.
"I wouldn't say that," I replied with a casual shrug. I moved from Ash's side to stand next to him. Everyone watch me curiously. "The Lily of the Valley Conference is in about two months. My battle with Volkner taught me that I have a lot of work to do if I want to be ready. I want to spend as much time as I can training. I've decided to stay in Sunnyshore City."
My friends all stared at me with wide eyes. "Are you sure that's what you want?" Brock asked. I nodded with a smile.
"Well, who are we to stop you?" Ash approved with a smile.
Dawn gave me a forced smile. "I'll miss you Gabi."
"Don't cry, Dawn. I'll see you soon. Just make sure to let me know when the Grand Festival is. You're going to need all the support you can get," I smirked.
"I will. And I'll return the favor at the Sinnoh League," Dawn said. I quickly pulled her in for a hug while patting her back lightly. Once she pulled away, they began departing slowly. I waved to them, with a wide smile. Flint and Volkner offered smaller waves. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to say bye. It did feel weird to watch them go and leave me behind, but I needed to be here. If I could trust anyone to help me get stronger, it was Volkner.
"We'll start training tomorrow. How does that sound?" Volkner suggested.
"That sounds perfect," I smiled.
~:~
Moi-Moi: And with that, our heroes say a temporary farewell… at least for the next two months. What does the future hold for our heroes as they head down their separate paths? Stay tuned to find out!
Next Time: ?
Edited: 11/4/13