Finally, FINALLY, got this chapter done. Ended up being twelve pages worth which I feel is fine since I haven't updated in forever. As much as I would love to go into detail regarding why I haven't been able to write as much as I would love to, put it simply, once again life is throwing me fast balls that are smacking me in the face one after another. And so, please enjoy this long awaited chapter
Sora waited for his match to begin against some guy named Jackson. While he was looking over his opponent's info, he took a moment to muse how he was never much one to plan for a battle before. Granted, back when he was with Donald and Goofy they did a good number of battle planning should they encounter Heartless and once they got used to how some of them fought, how to deal with them. Aside from that, not much thought put into it other than to be prepared for emergencies.
"If only they could see me now," he chuckled.
"If who could see you now?"
Sora smiled as Mia took a seat on the bench next to him.
"These two friends of mine. They're names are Donald and Goofy. See, we used to go on adventures and I was just thinking how back then I never actually did much thinking ahead back then."
Mia giggled. "You know, somehow I can definitely see that. So what kind of adventures did you three go on? Knowing you they'd have to be pretty crazy."
"Oh, you have no idea. Anyway, did you already read up on your opponent?"
Mia nodded.
"I'm supposed to go up against some guy named Draco. And judging from his registered team, he's a total Dragon-type." Mia then smirked then placed a hand on Blu's head, causing the Water-type to look up at her. "Which is why I used one of my TMs to teach Blu here how to use Ice Beam. Of course if I had more time I would have loved to teach him to use Ice Punch instead, but its what it is."
"Is there honestly a difference between the two?"
"Just on the fact that Blu tends to attack better from a distance instead of up close. Easier and better strategies this way."
Sora shrugged.
"If you say so."
Mia stretched, causing Blu to jump down from her lap, before turning back to Sora.
"Well, I'm going to go check to see if the current match is over yet. Mine is supposed to be right after the next one. You better make sure you and your team are ready."
She gave him a quick noogie, messing up his hair and leaving before he could retaliate. Sora merely rolled his eyes then went back to planning.
Sora just barely made it in time to find a seat for Mia's match. He quickly sat down next to Greiger just in time for Daniel and Daniella to appear on separate podiums next to each other.
"Hello one and all, to another round of our Tournament," Daniel said. "And now let's welcome our next contestants—first to my left is Miakoda Dogwood the ex-Gym Leader of Silvader Gym!"
Mia waved to the crowd at the sound of their applause.
"And to my left is her opponent Draco the Dragon Master," Daniella said.
Draco gave a small bow to the crowd.
"Now, let the battle begin!" the referee said, throwing a hand in the air.
"Go Axew!" Draco threw a Poké Ball into the air, releasing his first Pokémon.
"Alright Blu, time to take to your stage!"
"Axew use Dragon Pulse!"
"Dodge and counter with Rapid Spin!"
Axew open its mouth and built a large multicolored energy ball that then fired a dragon-shaped beam of energy right at Blu just as Blu retreated into his shell, spinning out of the way of the beam. He continued spinning around the beam and headed straight for Axew and hit it dead on.
"Quick use Ice Beam while Axew is off balance!"
Blu planted his feet on the ground then opened his mouth and charged up a light blue ball of energy that quickly shot out multiple beams of energy right at Axew while it was still in the air from the Rapid Spin attack. The beams struck the Dragon-type and froze it in a block of ice.
"Oh no, Axew!" Draco cried out.
The frozen Axew fell to the ground where the ice broke apart on impact, leaving it knocked out.
"Axew is unable to battle. The victor is Squirtle," the referee declared, holding a hand up.
"And in a quick turn of events Squirtle is victorious," Daniel said.
"Such a great usage of Squirtle's natural abilities, what a sight to behold," Daniella added. "I wonder how Draco's next Pokémon will fare compared to his Axew."
"Come out Tyrunt!"
"A Rock-type and Dragon-type, interesting choice that's for sure," Mia mused, tilting her head. "Think you're good for another round Blu?"
"Squirtle squirt," Blu smiled, puffing out his chest.
"Alright then, let's do it."
"Let the second battle, begin!"
The second referee threw his hand down and announced the battle has started, the Tyrunt dashed straight for Blu. Thankfully before Mia had time to him, Blu automatically used Withdraw right before the Tyrunt could use Crunch. Mia breathed a sigh of relief then narrowed her eyes in focus.
So, he trained up his Tyrunt's agility, she thought. Can't defeat your opponent if you can't hit him huh?
"Alright Blu, since you got him so close use Rock Smash before Tyrunt can get away," Mia said.
Blu balled up his fist just as it glowed red-orange before punching the Tyrunt straight under the jaw. The Tyrunt went flying over towards its Trainer. The Tyrunt staggered to its feet, shook its head, then charged again at Blu.
"Ice Beam once more!"
Blu shot an Ice Beam at the Tyrunt who only dashed out of the way. Blu kept trying to hit the Tyrunt with the Ice Beam but each attempt failed as it kept dodging. While this kept going on, Mia noticed that the Tyrunt made no attempt to get close to Blu.
Probably learned its lesson from before, she thought. But that kinda leaves us at a bit of a standstill until one of them gets tired. Good thing I got another ace up my sleeve.
"Alright Blu, time for plan B," Mia said. "Use Gyro Ball!"
Blu halted his Ice Beam then retreated back into his shell. He started to spin at a fast pace as a light blue aura started to surround him.
Mia let out a low growl as Blu missed the Tyrunt by mere inches. Though Blu seemed to take matters into his own hands. He somersaulted onto the ground, planted his feet into the dirt and then stood there, staring down the Tyrunt.
The Tyrunt became outlined in white energy as it raised its head. Multiple gray rocks materialized around its head forming something of a halo around the Tyrunt. The rocks got sent hurtling towards Blu but he had already speeding towards the Tyrunt in another Gyro Ball move.
Blu collided with some of the rocks but they did little to deter him from striking the Tyrunt head on before it could move.
"Way to go Blu!" Mia cheered as the referee declared Tyrunt unable to battle.
"And after another stunning victory Squirtle is again our winner," Daniella said.
"I gotta say that little guy is proving to be quite the battler," Daniel said. "Makes me wonder if Mia will keep him for the last battle of this match."
Mia opened her arms to Blu who ran up and jumping into them as she pulled him into a hug.
"You're doing amazing Blu," she told him, a big smile on her face. "But I think you should sit out on this last battle okay? You deserve some good rest."
Blu nodded before Mia sent him back into his Poké Ball.
"Oh it looks like she's switching out for the last battle," Daniel said.
"Makes you wonder who she'll bring out that can match up to the performance her Squirtle has been giving off," Daniella said.
Mia pulled out Menace's Poké Ball and called him out, kneeling down next to him once he appeared.
"Okay buddy, this is our last battle for today," she said. "Blu's been doing a good job so far but I don't want to push him too far. Think you can handle this?"
Menace nodded and patted Mia on the head then took his place on the battlefield to face Draco's Altaria.
"Third and final battle…begin!" the referee said.
"Altaria use Astonish," Draco said.
Altaria made its way over to Menace who stood at the ready.
"Menace, disappear!" Mia said.
Right as Altaria got close Menace spewed out thick dark purple smoke from his mouth, spitting out enough to cover half of the field.
"Quick, Ice Punch before the Haze wears off," Mia said.
From within the smoke a blue light flashed for a moment before Altaria was sent flying through the air.
"Icy Wind before it can recover!"
Menace jumped up from the Haze and opened his mouth, which started to glow light blue. A blizzard shot out right at Altaria who managed to turn in midair and dodge it.
"Altaria Pursuit!"
"Menace dodge!"
Menace tried to move out of the way but the Altaria managed to strike him head-on with its beak. The force sent Menace straight into the ground, with a small crater being created as a result.
"Menace!" Mia cried out, seeing the Gengar struggle to his feet. "Are you okay?"
Once he found his feet he shook his head then shot Mia a thumbs up as a sign of reassurance. Mia bit her lip but nodded at him.
"Alright, let's try a new tactic, Dazzling Gleam!" she said.
"Altaria use Roost quickly," Draco said.
Altaria landed on the ground and quickly folded its wings as it began to glow a bright light just as Menace himself was slowly starting to glow brighter. Once it built up a good amount he soon released that light when erupted from him and struck Altaria dead on. The shockwave sent Altaria flying back which Menace took the chance to build up an Ice Punch and strike Altaria before it could hit the ground.
Altaria landed a few feet away from Draco, out cold.
"Altaria is unable to battle. Mia and Gengar win!" the referee decreed.
Mia burst into a smile and tears as she raced to hug Menace who swayed then fell to the ground, exhausted but grinning even more than Mia.
"And now for our last battle for the first round of the tournament," Daniella said. "Our combatants this time will be Sora and Jackson."
"Now, let the battle begin!" the referee said, throwing a hand in the air.
"Come forth, Flareon!"
"Flareon," Sora mused. "That's a pure Fire-type if I recall. Shouldn't be too difficult. Let's show them what we got Nicolai!"
The two Pokémon faced each other before charging.
"Nicolai attack with Headbutt!"
"Flareon use Baby-Doll Eyes!"
Right as Nicolai lowered his head to hit Flareon, it stared him in the eye with sparkly eyes making him lose his balance and only strike the Flareon in the side instead of head on. It wasn't as effective but Sora could see it did some damage at the very least.
"Quick, use Hydro Pump while you have the chance," Sora said.
"Flareon Quick Attack!"
Nicolai blasted Flareon with a powerful jet of water just as it was charging at him. The force sent Flareon straight into the wall of the stadium where it collapsed on the ground, briefly attempting to get back on its feet before collapsing again.
"Flareon is unable to battle," the referee announced. "Salamence is the winner!"
"Alright Nicolai, way to go buddy," Sora said as the Dragon-type ran over and tackled him into a hug that nearly sent him to the ground. "But how about not throwing me to the ground?"
"And what a way to end such an exciting battle," Daniel said.
"With just one attack (and a half, so to speak) Salamence was able to defeat Flareon. The overwhelming power in that Hydro Pump really shows the strength he has."
"And now it's on to the second battle, let's see what Pokémon they'll choose this time."
"Ready for another round buddy?" Sora asked, looking at Nicolai.
The Dragon-type nodded then took his place on the battlefield, a few embers coming out of the corners of his mouth.
"Fine then, come on out Vileplume!"
"A Vileplume? Not the best matchup against someone like Nicolai," Sora mused.
"Don't be so sure," Jackson said. "Type matchups don't always determine the battle."
"The second battle will be between Salamence once again and Vileplume. Let the battle…begin!"
The referee threw his hand down and the crowd went wild.
"Nicolai use Fire Fang!"
"Vileplume use Return!"
Nicolai's mouth and fangs became coated in flames just as the Vileplume charged at him with unbelievable speed.
The two collided and Nicolai bit down hard into Vileplume. The Vileplume however punched him hard in retaliation that forced him to let go. While he was recovering the Vileplume struck again, this time sending him into the ground hard, knocking him clean out.
"Salamence is unable to battle. Vileplume wins!"
After Sora returned Nicolai to his Poké Ball, thanking him for doing a good job and to get some well-deserved rest, he looked to the Vileplume.
That Vileplume is seriously strong, he thought. Not to mention combined with that Return attack was enough to knock Nicolai out in one hit. If strength won't be enough, guess I better add speed to the mixture.
Sora brought out Avis's Poké Ball and called him out. Once out he stretched his wings then perched on his shoulder.
"Hey partner," Sora smiled. "Nicolai got taken out so he's resting, think you're up to the task to finish where he left off?"
Avis nodded enthusiastically then flew to his place on the field.
"Third battle will be between Spearow and Vileplume. Let the battle…BEGIN!"
"Avis use Agility!"
"Vileplume use Secret Power!"
Avis sped towards Vileplume who began to glow pink, then yellow. Right as the Vileplume shot out bolts of lightning Avis vanished, only to reappear striking the Vileplume from behind. Sora clenched a fist in celebration for the successful attack, also knowing that using Agility would help Avis move even faster than before.
"Quick, use Drill Peck!"
Avis's beak started to spin right as he dove towards the Grass and Poison-type.
"Use Giga Drain!"
The Vileplume fired a green energy beam at Avis as he dove towards it but he managed to dodge it and strike it head on.
"And it's another direct hit from Spearow greatly weakening Vileplume," Daniel said.
"And judging from the looks of it, it was enough to almost knock out Vileplume," Daniella added. "Let's see if Spearow can keep it up or if Vileplume can make a comeback."
The roaring crowd made it slightly hard for Sora to focus with their cheering, some shouting suggestions of attack for both him and Jackson. He tried to block them out but he heard one say something that gave him an idea.
"Avis use Sky Attack!" Sora said. "Just like we practiced."
"Vileplume, Giga Drain one more time!"
Jackson's Vileplume fired another green energy beam at Avis whose body became coated in an orange and gold aura. The beam struck Avis but he merely shook it off and dove at Vileplume.
Vileplume attempted to doge but Avis still managed to land a direct hit, knocking Vileplume back and out.
"Vileplume is unable to battle. Spearow is the winner," the referee proclaimed.
"Way to go partner," Sora said as Avis once again perched on his shoulder. He stroked his feathers as Avis looked towards Jackson who returned Vileplume to its Poké Ball. He said something to it then looked to Sora. He couldn't tell if the look in his eyes was rival admiration or annoyance for beating his Pokémon. He didn't know which to hope for.
"One more battle and the rest of us can celebrate," Sora told Avis. "Mia said she's gonna prepare some nice picnic food for us. Including your favorite Poké Puffs."
That seemed to light a fire in Avis's eyes. Before Sora could even ask if he wanted to take part in the last battle he flew to his position on the battlefield, flapping his wings in anticipation.
"Guess that takes care of that," Sora shrugged.
Jackson called out his last Pokémon, one Sora didn't recognize so he pulled out his Pokédex.
"Poliwrath—the Tadpole Pokémon. Poliwrath's highly developed, brawny muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. It is so tirelessly strong, this Pokémon can swim back and forth across the ocean without effort," it told him.
"Well let's see if speed can overcome strength again," he murmured, pocketing the Pokédex.
"Final battle between Spearow and Poliwrath…BEGIN!"
Before Sora could tell Avis to use Agility again to give him an extra boost in speed, Poliwrath pulled back its fist, becoming surrounded by white swirling energy as it charged forward, the energy turning light blue. Poliwrath struck Avis head on who became encased in ice almost instantly.
"Avis!" Sora cried out.
"Oh, and it looks like with just one Ice Punch Jackson's Poliwrath managed to freeze Spearow solid," Daniella said. "This puts Sora in quite the tight spot."
"Let's see what strategy he'll come up with to help Spearow out," Daniel added.
Only problem is I don't know how, Sora thought, biting his lip. At least not without using the method I'm used to with magic. And I certainly can't use that.
"Come on Avis," Sora shouted. "I know you can do it! Break free!"
"Poliwrath use Mega Punch while he's frozen solid," Jackson said, a big grin on his face.
Poliwrath reared his fist back and then with great force punched the frozen Avis, breaking apart the ice that was his prison and sending Avis flying.
"AVIS!" Sora shouted, greatly tempted to run onto the field where he landed and pick him up, make sure he was ok.
"Oh and Poliwrath's Mega Punch was able to not only crack all the ice trapping Spearow but also sending him halfway over the battlefield," Daniella said.
"But it looks like Spearow isn't giving up just yet," Daniel said. "He's getting to his feet and trying to shake off the attack."
Avis, you don't have to continue if you don't want, Sora thought, biting his lip, watching his partner flap his wings trying to ascend into the air. You've done enough.
Avis looked to Sora and in that moment Avis's determination to finish this battle and avenge Nicolai washed over him, filling him with the same determination. Sora nodded at him then looked to Poliwrath who stood at the ready.
"Okay Avis, use the Feather and Health combo!"
Avis flew up higher into the air then flapped his wings, releasing dozens of glowing blue feathers that flew over Poliwrath, causing him to momentarily glow blue as well.
"Poliwrath, finish him off with Submission!"
Poliwrath jumped up, attempting to grab Avis who began to be coated in a light blue glow while his bruises and scratches began to heal. He managed to fly out of the way of Poliwrath's reach just as Sora told him to try the last combo attack they practiced.
Right as Avis activated another Aerial Ace but right as he became cloaked in light blue energy he began to spin, crashing right into Poliwrath the second its feet touched the ground. Poliwrath hit the ground hard and was knocked unconscious.
Sora could just barely hear the referee declare him and Avis the winners over the roar of the crowd. He just threw his arms wide as Avis flew in for a hug while Daniel and Daniella gave their compliments to both him and Jackson for such a splendid spectacle. With Avis on his shoulder, Sora walked over to Jackson who was looking at Poliwrath's Poké Ball.
"Hey, good match," he smiled, holding his hand out. "You and your Pokémon were amazing opponents. You guys should be proud."
Jackson smirked then shook Sora's hand.
Neptune watched happily from the river while Lanturn swam off somewhere to his side as Mia opened a picnic basket and presented it to all the Pokémon who were waiting eagerly for their treats. Mia had made sure to give Neptune and Lanturn their share of the treats first so they could enjoy themselves.
"Well, there goes the first round and onto the next," Mia smiled, placing the basket of Poffins and Poké Puffs on the picnic blanket. "Here you go everyone, you all earned it."
The Pokémon all dug into the basket of treats and happily chowed down. Sora was stretched out on the grass, hands behind his head, and a pleasant smile on his face as he napped contently with Greiger laid out reading a book right next to him.
Mia, who had changed into her rainbow polka dotted one piece swimsuit under her white short sleeved hoodie, dusted off her hands then walked over to the river causing Neptune to leap out of the water in joy and swim in little circles. She dipped her right foot in to test the water, finding the temperature satisfactory, took off her sandals. Seeing an opportunity Neptune popped up and sprayed some water right in her face.
"Neptune!" Mia laughed, wiping off her face. "Alright, take that!"
Mia jumped into the river then began to retaliate by splashing the Magikarp. Laughing the two continued their splash war until Neptune began to swim in circles around Mia's legs. He didn't want to let it on but truth be told he was jealous that he couldn't really spend that much time with Mia like the others could. All because if he were out of the water all he could do was flop around stupidly like most people believed Magikarp like him were known for.
Especially since when Mia and Sora were poisoned back in that forest all he could do was watch from his Poké Ball. The temptation to appear out of his Poké Ball was so strong but he knew it would not help in making her better. Though the second he saw she was ok after Menace gave her the Antidote, he finally got out of his and flopped his way over to her. She welcomed him with open arms and a smile on her face.
Mia giggled at him then began to hop from rock to rock down the river while Neptune swam in pace with her.
"Hey Neptune," Mia laughed as she jumped to another rock. "Think we'll find a Water Stone in this river?"
"Magi! Magikarp!" Neptune replied, leaping out of the water in front of her.
"Alright, then let's start searching for one," she said, pumping a fist into the air.
Neptune swam forward, now determined to find something that could peak Mia's interest. He doubted they would find a Water Stone but perhaps a Shard of some kind. He scanned the ground of the river for anything of interest but saw nothing.
Perhaps if we went further down the river, he thought, swimming a bit faster in anticipation.
A scream and a loud splash from behind him caught his attention. As he turned around to inspect what happened he saw blood flow past him in the current.
Fearing the worst he swam against the current to the best of his ability and even faster when he saw Mia's unconscious body drifting down the river. He swam right up to her and swam against the current to keep her from drifting further down river.
Fear gripped his heart and fueled his body when he saw the large cut across the side of Mia's head with blood flowing from it. He fought against the river but the most he could do was keep her in place while trying to make his way towards the shore.
Lanturn, somebody, help! he thought. Please!
Continuing his losing battle against the river Neptune pushed on regardless. He couldn't do anything when Mia was in danger before but this was different. He was in his home element and should be able to do something about it.
Just hang on Mia, he pleaded. I won't let you drown.
Anger now fueling his body with energy, Neptune fought harder against the river to get Mia towards the edge. Though he could tell the progress was extremely slow. He wouldn't believe he was making any progress at all if he didn't look down to check.
Come on, Neptune thought. You can do this. Keep fighting.
Neptune was so focused that it took him a moment to notice the power that was surging in him as he began to glow brightly. He felt his body morph into something else as he felt it grow larger and longer. Before he knew it, once the light died away, Neptune lifted his upper half of his new body, Mia resting on the crest, the blood from the cut on her head running down the side of his own.
Neptune easily worked his way upriver in his newly evolved form, glancing up every so often to see if Mia was still securely on his crest. Thankfully in no time he made his way back to the others who upon seeing him and Mia rushed over.
Neptune lowered his head so that Greiger and Sora could get Mia and lay her on the ground. Sora placed a hand on the cut on her head while Greiger ran to get their first aid kit. Neptune saw him murmur something and could have sworn he saw a soft green light appear under Sora's hand. When Greiger returned Sora moved his hand and Neptune looked to see that the cut seemed to be gone when Greiger wiped the blood off her head.
"Cut seems to have healed already somehow," Greiger said. "Took a blow to the head possible concussion. Course there's an easy way to determine that." Greiger looked to Azurite. "Quick, use Screech, that should do it."
Azurite snapped to attention, nodded, then opened his mouth letting out a loud irritating screech that caused everyone to cover their ears. Though he stopped when Mia snapped awake with a gasp. She instantly groaned making everyone rush closer and make Blu, Prim, and Azurite through themselves onto her, squeezing her into a hug.
"Can't…breathe," she rasped.
The three released their hold while Sora bandaged the cut that was on her right foot.
"What happened?" Greiger said, wrapping gauze around her head and cut.
"On the river." Mia narrowed her eyes in concentration. "Hopping from rocks. Cut my foot and slipped. That's the last thing I remember."
"Either way, we better get you to a Pokémon Center just in case."
Greiger and Sora started to return everyone to their Poké Balls while Neptune lowered his head towards Mia. She gave a small smile then placed a hand on his crest.
"Neptune? Almost can't tell it's you," she said, stroking his crest. "I don't know what you did exactly but I know I'm still here because of you. Thanks buddy."
Neptune nuzzled Mia's cheek right before Greiger picked her up in his arms and Sora returned him to his Poké Ball, filled with nothing but joy and content for being of use for once.
And there we have it. Neptune evolves! :D
OCs that have appeared in this chapter:
Jackson who belongs to Weeping Pegasi
Draco who belongs to a guest
Thank you for the use of your OCs!
Current teams:
Sora
Azurite - Riolu
Nicolai - Salamance
Avis- Spearow
Primrose - Happiny
Davila - Purrlion - Shiny
Forrest - Turtwig
Mia
Neptune - Gyarados
Menace - Gengar
Fatmir - Excadrill
Cronkers - Krokorok
Crimson - Charizard - Shiny
Blu - Squirtle
Greiger
Lanturn
Crawdaunt
Politoed
Octillery
Slowking
Quagsire