Aurora: 'Sparky does not own the characters and story elements of this Pokémon franchise. He is just borrowing them for this story. The Pokémon Company, Nintendo and Game Freak all own everything related to the Pokémon franchise. In the mean time, feel free to enjoy this story.'
Victini: 'Great, now Lady Relena's father jumps in too.'
Aurora: [Uses Hydro Pump on Victini]
Victini: O_O 'Aah! Not Hydro Pump!
Aurora: '…'
Victini: 'Now I'm sopping wet. Ugh, take it away Sparky. Ah, I need a nice, soft and fluffy towel to dry off with.'
24: Driftveil City: Debut of Tidal Smash and Mining for a Quake Badge
"You're going to the Kalos region?" Relena asked Mikki as she noticed that her rival had a new outfit on.
"Yeah," answered Mikki Shiozaki with a grin on her face. "Both Steven and I want to go Kalos and explore the region. Especially after hearing and seeing that you and Hilda both have shiny Fairy-type Pokémon."
"You're not trying to get from my sister, are you?" asked Relena as she was worried that Jessica might not like her going to Kalos.
"Trust me, I couldn't get away from her no matter how hard I try," Mikki answered with a smile and sweatdrop on her forehead. "Besides, your sister supported my decision to go to Kalos. Said she wants me check out the region's best fashion shops and see how they stack up to her fashion line.
Relena shook her head as she apparently guessed that her sister's shiny Tyranitar, Argon, probably suggested that last bit. But Mikki continued, "I'm not gonna pass up a good paying job and free clothes. You'd be crazy to pass up benefits like those."
Abelia and I both agreed with Mikki's last statement as we both thought it would be stupid to pass up good pay and free clothes. But for Abelia, she was going to have to tell Relena's sister that she was pregnant and that worried her a little bit. As for Mikki, she had an impressive outfit if I do say so myself. She had on a zip up black and white sleeveless shirt with a short red sleeveless hoodie, her carmine red hair tied up in a Ponyta tail with a yellow ribbon held together by one of her red and white Pokéball hair pedants, a black bracelet on her right wrist, a sliver bangle and Mega Bracelet, both on her left arm, her Pokéball necklace around her neck as always, black skintight shorts with a red skirt over the shorts with pockets and a white Pokéball design on it, a brown belt holding her pack on her waist, black socks that were an inch and a half short of her knees and zip up traveling boots that were red and white with black soles on the bottom. I was very impressed with Mikki's new outfit and wanted an outfit like hers.
Mikki got compliments from Hilda, Relena, Erika, Abelia and of course... my silly buddy, Victini. He of course was fishing to get attention and affection, more of it from Mikki, but got an Iron Tail instead from Mikki's Pikachu. Erika picked up my silly little buddy and gave him the attention and affection that he wanted. After saying our goodbyes to Mikki as she backtracked to Nimbasa City so she could leave for the Kalos region, Abelia's cellphone was ringing.
"Uh, excuse me. I need to take this call," Abelia informed us as apparently Relena's sister was calling her.
Abelia stepped away from us to take the call and the rest of us joined the group again. The silver-haired trainer didn't go far as she stayed within sight of the group. She was walking around in circles as she spoke with Jessica on her cellphone. I noticed that Abelia had a slightly nervous look on her face as she told Jessica that she was pregnant.
"What do you think Abelia is talking to Jessica about?" Hilda asked the rest of us girls.
"She's probably telling my sister that she's pregnant," answered Relena. "Jess doesn't really like surprises, like a baby bomb, being dropped on her so suddenly."
"Jessica won't fire Abelia, will she?" I asked Relena.
"Nah, Jess isn't that kind of person," Relena answered with a smile on her face. "As a fashion designer, she has to be flexible and be ready to adjust when situations like this come up. I think Abelia will get off with a light slap on the wrists."
"That's a relief to hear," Erika said as she still had Victini in her arms.
"Plus she also has to accommodate for Abelia's pregnancy by law back in the Atlantica Islands," added Relena. "Had a nasty fiasco that ended up with a hefty lawsuit being brought on to a shipping company on Diamond Bay Island five years ago."
'Ouch,' replied Victini. 'It must not have been pleasant for the shipping company.'
'It at least lead to new changes made for human females carrying offspring, making their workloads easier to handle,' said Michiru as she knew about this apparent fiasco too.
Before we could continue the conversation, Abelia came back to us with a neutral expression on her face. Seeing her expression had me a bit worried as I wondered if Jessica had fired her. Letting out an apparent sigh of relief, Abelia's expression changed to a slight smile.
"So... what's the verdict?" I asked Abelia.
"I hope you're not losing your job," added Hilda. "It would be sad that you lost your job as a model."
"Nope, she didn't fire me," answered Abelia. "Jessica did tell me to give her a heads up the next time I get pregnant. Mentioned something about a pregnant woman suing a shipping company because they wouldn't lighten her workload five years ago."
"Jess is just trying to make sure that she follows the law back in our home region," Relena explained to the Bug-type trainer. "She did set it up back on Tsunami Island and she's required to follow the law, especially in regards to pregnant women employees."
"She also said that I was getting a temporary raise in my salary to help me and Jonathan save for expenses that come with having a baby," added Abelia.
Victini got out of Erika's grip and then went over to Abelia and gently placed his left hand on her exposed midriff. I was getting upset with Victini as I thought he was being nosy once again, like when he sensed Erika was carrying twins. I was about to yank him away from Abelia when he opened his eyes and pulled away from the silver-haired Bug-type trainer.
'Have you told your employer that you are with twin offspring?' Victini asked Abelia.
"Eh, I'm pregnant with twins?" Abelia asked in a surprised tone.
'Yes, you are with twin offspring inside your body,' answered Victini. 'I am not sure if Jonathan knows this, but you should tell him that you are with twin offspring.'
'You should really learn to be respectful of a female's right to privacy, Victini,' Michiru informed my Victory Pokémon. 'Maybe Abelia wanted to find out later that she's carrying twin offspring.'
"It's alright, Michiru, I don't mind," Abelia said Relena's shiny female Gardevoir. "But Victini is right, I probably should let both Jessica and my husband know that I'm carrying twins."
"Wow," said a surprised Jonathan as he was happy to hear the news. "So we're having twins, eh? This is gonna be quite the challenge for us."
"My mom had a heck of a time raising 17 children," replied Relena. "But she managed to pull it off, despite the questionable things that my 15 half-siblings did."
'Do we want to know what your half-siblings did that was questionable?' Pikachu asked Relena.
'No, you don't want to know Pikachu,' Michiru answered for Relena. 'It at least didn't entail some of the most deplorable things. I can assure you of that.'
"Congratulations Abelia," Hilda said happily as she brought the conversation's focus back on Abelia. "I think you'll be a great mother."
"Thanks everyone," Abelia said to us. "This makes me very happy."
"Then you won't mind if we steal your happiness and your life from you," said one voice that we didn't want hear ever again.
The group looked towards a high ledge and saw the same three members of Team Plasma that we didn't want to see ever again. Relena and Michiru narrowed their eyes in contempt for the three members that got the drop on Michiru back when she was stalling Kyurem until Keldeo had gotten the courage to face the Boundary Pokémon. The three Plasma ninjas, called the Shadow Triad, then sent out their Pokémon to try and overpower us again. They sent out their Absol, Banette and Accelgor to face us once again.
"You may have gotten lucky last time," said the leader of the Shadow Triad as he snapped his fingers, "but this time you won't be walking out of this... alive."
Before Relena could send any Pokémon out to battle, I noticed that her eyes went wide as an item on her necklace began to glow. The item looked familiar to me as I recognized it as the Blue Orb that Team Aqua's leader had tried to use to in conjunction with Kyogre back in my home region of Hoenn. Michiru also looked to see that the Blue Orb and noticed that it was glowing.
'He's coming isn't he?' Michiru asked Relena as they apparently knew that Kyogre was coming.
"Yeah, he's coming," answered Relena as the Blue Orb began to glow once again. "No, scratch that. He's here already."
'Time to drop... the bombshell on those disgraceful humans?' Michiru asked Relena as she had a grin on her face.
"Yes, yes it is time to drop... the bombshell on these Plasma jokers," Relena answered as she looked to her father, who also gave her a slight nod.
"Now! Mega evolve and show them no mercy!" the leader of the Shadow Triad shouted as both Absol and Banette mega evolved.
'We're not falling for that folly once again,' Michiru said in an icy tone. 'Because...'
Before Michiru could finish her sentence, the water in the harbor behind us began to churn and a very familiar Water-type legendary Pokémon from my home region burst out of the water and slammed back down causing a decent sized tidal wave to form and was directed at the Shadow Triad's Pokémon. Unfortunately, we were in the path of that tidal wave and was more than likely to get caught in it.
"Everyone, take hold of something sturdy and hang on for dear life!" Relena shouted quickly as she got the back of her father while Michiru stood her ground. As for the rest of us, Ash and I got the back of Virizion. Hilda and Hilbert got on the back of their Dragon-type Pokémon while Jonathan and Abelia used their own Pokémon to get up to the roof top to avoid getting hit by the tidal wave. The three members of the Shadow Triad and the Plasma grunts that had suddenly burst out of their hiding place were dumbfounded as to why we chose to get to higher ground while Relena and Michiru stood their ground. Before Mega Absol and Mega Banette could even launch an attack, they were hit by the tidal wave that Kyogre had created and were nearly knocked out in the process too.
'Gah!' exclaimed a stunned Mega Absol and Mega Banette who knocked around by the tidal wave so hard, that they weren't able to maintain their mega evolved forms.
'My lady, your servant has come to your aid,' Kyogre said to Relena as he slightly nodded to her.
Relena slightly nodded to him back and then had a smirk form on her face as she had a plan before looking back to the Shadow Triad.
"You got the drop on Michiru and I," Relena began as she took the necklace off her neck. "Now I think it's time to return the favor and get the drop on you."
"Really?" challenged the second member of the Shadow Triad.
'We can beat your strongest Pokémon at any time we want,' taunted Banette.
'How are you going to get the drop on us, to return the favor?' Accelgor asked in a mocking manner.
Relena didn't even give them an answer, but instead threw the Blue Orb back to Kyogre, who received it and was then glowing as the Blue Orb reacted to being in contact with the giant Sea Basin Pokémon. The Shadow Triad should've just backed away and ran off when they had the chance, but no. Their three Pokémon and the Pokémon of the grunts tried to rush at Relena and her two Pokémon like a rabid Mightyena.
'We're coming for you!' shouted the battered Absol as he lead the charge.
Before the battered Absol could even land a hit, the Kyogre's glowing stopped and the clear skies turned gray as we could hear thunder clacking in the clouds and feel the pouring rain hit our skin. We then turned and saw that Kyogre had indeed changed form and looked more menacing then before. The outlines of Kyogre were glowing and it looked like he had ancient markings all over his body and all of the red markings became blue instead.
'Now you will see my awesome power, you disgraceful humans!' the changed Kyogre exclaimed to the Shadow Triad and the Plasma grunts charging at Relena.
Many of the grunts' Pokémon saw Kyogre in his other form and were terrified of his menacing and intimidating appearance. Some of them wised up and tried to make a run for it. Unfortunately, the Shadow Triad's Pokémon wouldn't allow them to run away. The three of them told the grunts' Pokémon that there would be no retreat in the face of an opposing Pokémon, no matter how terrifying it looked. Accelgor should've been smart as should've both battered Absol and Banette as we guessed Kyogre had some hidden surprise. Then I remembered Jeanette mentioning that both Groudon and Kyogre had primal forms when exposed to both the Red and Blue Orbs. I looked to the Kyogre and then slightly nodded to myself as it appeared as if Kyogre had reverted back to it's Primal Form.
"Kyogre has returned to it's Primal Form," I said to the group.
'What do you mean by Primal Form?' Victini asked me. 'Is that what the Hoenn Sea Basin Pokémon truly looks like?'
"When it's holding the Blue Orb, yes," I answered as I dug into my memory of a conversation I had with Jeanette. "I just hope that those Plasma guys don't try to have their Pokémon use Fire-type moves."
'I take it that even my Fire-type moves will be extinguished very quickly,' Victini said with a blank expression on his face.
"Oh yes," Relena called to Victini. "Primal Kyogre's ability is known as Primordial Sea. Until Primal Kyogre withdraws from battle or is defeated, all Fire-type moves are extinguished. It's the same with Groudon in his Primal Form except the opposite. Primal Groudon has the ability Desolate Land which makes the sun extremely harsh and all Water-type moves evaporate."
'I wouldn't want to face Primal Groudon,' Pikachu said as he shuddered at the thought of Primal Groudon's power.
"My friend, show them your true power," Relena said to Primal Kyogre. "Show them what happens when they abuse a Pokémon's power for themselves and when they threaten to take a life."
'As you wish my lady,' acknowledged Primal Kyogre as he narrowed his wide eyes at the Shadow Triad and Plasma grunts. 'Now you will feel my primordial wrath! I will show you wicked humans no mercy!'
'You will have to get through us first, you overgrown fish!' the battered Absol taunted Primal Kyogre. 'I do not fear you. Even if I can't mega evolve, I will defeat you!'
Primal Kyogre didn't reply, but instead went underwater and launched himself out of the water and slammed back down, creating yet another decent sized tidal wave directing it at the two battered Pokémon of the Shadow Triad leading the charge and Accelgor. Oddly enough, the tidal wave didn't do any damage to Michiru, despite her not being a Water-type Pokémon. Not even Aurora, Relena's father, took any damage from the tidal wave either as he absorbed part of the tidal wave's power to heal himself after fending off an overzealous Garbador that tried to poison Relena. Kyogre's tidal wave then hit the Pokémon charging at us damaging all of them and even sweeping most of them into the sea along with some of the grunts too. Part of the overzealous Pokémon that were being swept into the sea were the Absol and Banette that were holding mega stones around their necks. Michiru snatched the mega stone that Banette had around his neck and Relena swiped the Absol's mega stone as it was getting swept into the sea. Most of the Plasma grunts had run away or tried to run away and got caught in the tidal wave and were swept into the sea. As for the three Shadow Triad members, they were caught in the tidal wave themselves and struggled to fight and get to safety. The middle and youngest members both were hit with items that also caught in the tidal wave and were knocked unconscious before meeting their fate as the sea claimed their lives. As for the leader, he still had some fight left in him. Unfortunately for him... I'll just leave his fate to your imagination as some Sharpedos decided to claim his life as he was cursing us and shouting that his death and the death of his two cohorts would trigger the only beginning of the end for us. Once he said his last his words... he was drug into the sea, never to be heard from again.
"But, Officer Jenny I'm telling you the truth," a witness said to the local Officer Jenny as the Driftveil City police was investigating the cause of the destruction caused by Kyogre's appearance and the lopsided battle that ended on a bloody note. "I swear that I saw some big blue Pokémon come out of sea and cause all of this damage to my shipping crates and halfway flooded two of my fishing vessels!"
"I didn't see any big blue Pokémon come out of the sea," I said as those of us in the group denied ever seeing Kyogre making his big splash or Primal Reversion back to Primal Kyogre.
The rest of us also denied seeing Relena's Kyogre come to our aid. If anything, Relena didn't want Team Plasma to know about mega evolution or about the Primal Reversion of both Groudon and Kyogre. But considering that the Shadow Triad had knowledge of Mega Evolution, there was no telling what Team Plasma knew now. We had to assume that Team Plasma knew about Mega Evolution and had their own devices and Mega Stones to induce Mega Evolution. If anything, we needed to be prepared for when Team Plasma would have in store for us.
'Never in my life would I have ever believed that such a Pokémon could have such frightful power,' Virizion said after we had pulled out of Driftveil City after Kyogre's efforts to help thwart the Shadow Triad's efforts to steal away our powerful Pokémon from us.
'You're not kidding, Virizion,' agreed Terrakion.
It was then that Cobalion looked to Relena and her father, Aurora. He figured that both of them were holding out on information about Kyogre. The Iron Will Pokémon certainly wanted answers and he was going to get them.
'I think you have some explaining to do, Lady Relena,' Cobalion said to Relena as he looked to the co-champion of the Atlantica Islands and her father.
"The Pokémon you saw is known as Kyogre, the Sea Basin Pokémon," Relena began as she looked to the three Swords of Justice. "It's a Water-type legendary Pokémon thought to be from the Hoenn region."
'Thought to be?' asked a puzzled Virizion. 'Do you mean that there are more of those Kyogre Pokémon?'
"In our home region, yes," answered Richie. "Only a handful of all the known legendary Pokémon are true 'legendary' Pokémon. The rest are just super rare Pokémon to find and only breed with their own species."
'What abilities does it have?' Terrakion asked Relena.
'As a normal Kyogre, it's ability is Drizzle, which summons a rainstorm,' explained Aurora. 'In it's primal form, it's ability changes to Primordial Sea. That ability summons heavy rain and lasts until Primal Kyogre is defeated or withdraws from battle.'
'There must be more to it,' Cobalion insisted as he looked at Relena and Richie.
"Primordial Sea extinguishes all Fire-type moves and makes them fail instantly," added Richie.
'Whoa, not bad,' Terrakion said impressed with Kyogre's power in its Primal Form. 'Not an opponent I'd wanna face in battle though.'
'As humans would say, 'you're preaching to the choir',' responded Victini in agreement to Terrakion's statement.
'So, now what do you plan to do?' Virizion asked us.
'We're getting ready to challenge the gym here in Driftveil City,' explained Pikachu. 'I'm out of this gym battle because of the Pokémon type used in this gym.'
'And what type would that be?' asked Cobalion.
'The gym leader here uses Ground-type,' Victini answered Cobalion. 'Brother Pikachu is right to stay out of this battle. Almost all of his attacks are Electric-type and even his Iron Tail will not inflict much damage on Ground-type Pokémon.'
'Sounds like I might not be a good fit to go into the Driftveil gym if the gym leader uses Ground-type Pokémon,' Terrakion commented after hearing Victini explain what the gym leader in Driftveil used.
"I agree, but I may use you Terrakion," Hilbert said to Terrakion. "One of their Pokémon might be part Steel and that would work your advantage since you're also part Fighting.
'That is true,' Terrakion said with a slight grin on his face.
'It seems that young Hilbert is thinking two steps ahead,' Cobalion said with a slight smile.
Virizion was going to ask Ash who he was going to use in his gym when of course... Ayame popped out of her Luxury Ball and started hugging on him. Latias didn't like that Ash's shiny Gourgeist was hugging Ash as she was reminding him that he promised to use her in the Driftveil gym battle. Latias popped out of her Cherish Ball and shot a nasty glare at the female shiny Ghost/Grass-type Pumpkin Pokémon. Ayame's happy smile then turned into a glare as she saw Latias glaring at her.
'You need to relax little spoiled Dragon-type girl,' Ayame said to Latias. 'I already know not to fight you over Ash's affections. Even though... I still think he prefers me over you.'
'Alright.. that's it. I've had enough of this from you Pumpkin brain,' shot back Latias and was about to start a fight with the shiny Gourgeist when Cobalion glared at both female Pokémon.
Both Ayame and Latias saw the Iron Will Pokémon's glare and then lowered their heads in submission. Cobalion's glare was enough to prevent both Ayame and Latias from fighting with each other. Once Ayame and Latias had been quieted down, Ash made his selection for the next gym battle at the Driftveil Gym. If I knew Ash, he probably he had changed his mind once again in what Pokémon he was going to use.
"I hate to do this, but I'm changing which Pokémon I'm gonna use in the Driftveil Gym," Ash as he thought long and hard.
'I hope you're still using me,' Ayame pleaded with Ash.
"I'm still using Snivy, Ayame and I'm bringing Virizion into the gym battle instead of Boldore," Ash said to his Pokémon.
Boldore was a little upset that he had been replaced by Virizion, but he also understood since he might need the type advantage in the Driftveil Gym. The three Grass-type Pokémon gave each other a slight nod as to acknowledge that they were going to be the team to take down the Driftveil gym leader's Pokémon.
After navigating through some of the debris-strewn streets of Driftveil, we arrived at the Driftveil City gym and were surprised to see that Drew and Serena were standing there waiting for us. Ash was certainly surprised to see Serena there. As for myself, I was dumbfounded as to why Drew was waiting for us well. Drew, despite seeing my silly little buddy, composed himself and had a small smile.
"So what are you two doing here?" I asked Drew and Serena as I then took a defensive posture assuming that Serena might try to steal her childhood friend and my fiancé from me.
"Relax May, I'm not going to try to steal Ash from you," Serena assured me. "Besides... why would steal Ash from you if I'm already engaged to Drew? Plus, I've already slept with Drew plenty of times."
"Why did you and Drew sleep with each other?" I asked Serena as I was dumbfounded as to hearing that she slept with Drew and wasn't afraid to share it.
"Part of it was because my mom wanted me to become a Ryhorn Racer and I didn't want to," explained Serena. "She was trying to force it on me and I didn't want to hear anymore of it."
'And what was the other reason for why you decided to mate with the green-haired male human?' Victini asked Serena.
Um... I really don't think you want to know what Serena's answer to Victini's question was. I dare not repeat it here. After we got back on track and entered the Driftveil City gym, we saw that the main gym was deep underground and we had to take an elevator down to where the gym was located. The approach wasn't an easy one as the Driftveil gym leader a had a few gym lieutenants who blocked Ash's way and tested him to see if he was ready to face their gym leader, a miner named Clay. Using Meloetta, Latias and Boldore, Ash was able to prevail with me and Serena happily cheering him on. Even Boldore was happy that he got a chance to least help Ash battle his way to Clay. Taking the final elevator down to the ground, Ash finally met face to face with Clay. The Driftveil gym leader was a burly looking man, dressed in cowboy attire and had a big cowboy hat to backup his western attire.
'Papa, are you sure that I can't help you?' Manaphy asked Ash as my little Seafaring Pokémon referred to Ash as his 'papa.'
'Peace, Brother Manaphy,' Latias said to Manaphy. 'I think Snivy, Virizion and... Pumpkin Brain can handle this gym no problem.'
Wanting to retaliate at Latias for calling her 'Pumpkin Brain,' Ayame shook the thought out of her mind for the moment as she needed to focus. Plus there was also Hilda's master, Cobalion right there close by, glaring at the shiny female Kalos Pumpkin Pokémon to keep her from turning and fighting with Latias. As for Latias, Cobalion also glared at her as well for the 'Pumpkin Brain' jab at Ayame. In all honesty, I think even Aurora's glare would've made both female Pokémon quiet down, but Cobalion seemed to have more of an authoritative presence than Relena's father.
"So, you've beaten my gym lieutenants and you wanna have a battle for this here Quake Badge?" Clay asked Ash.
"That's right," answered Ash with his enthusiasm. "My name is Ash Ketchum and I'm from Pallet Town in the Kanto region."
Clay narrowed his eyes and snorted in disgust for Ash's enthusiasm. Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, Clay apparently didn't like seeing Ash's enthusiasm. Nevertheless, he was still the gym leader of the Driftveil City gym and he had to at least accommodate Ash's challenge.
"I'll tell ya what son," began Clay. "We use three Pokémon each."
"Sounds good to me," agreed Ash.
"Hope you're ready to face here the Pokémon who help me run my mines," Clay said with an arrogant look on his face.
"The gym battle between Clay, the Driftveil City gym leader, and the challenger Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town, is about to begin," announced the gym referee as he took his place on the sideline. "Both sides will use up to three Pokémon each with the challenger only allowed to substitute.
"Then let the gym battle begin!" exclaimed the referee as he lowered his flags.
"Alright then," said Clay as he threw up his first Pokéball. "Krokorok, it's time to have us a little showdown."
"Hmm... that's a Ground/Dark-type," Ash said to himself as he began to plan out his first move. "Well, all four Swords of Justice have that ability Justified which actives when hit by... Huh? Ayame, what are you doing?"
'No worries here Ash, I've got this Pokémon,' Ayame said with a smile.
"But it's a part Dark-type Pokémon," Ash protested to Ayame.
'Doesn't bother me,' Ayame said happily and cheerfully. 'I'm part Grass, so I guess that means we're even.'
"Seems to me that you ain't gotta wrangle on your Pokémon there, son," Clay replied with a grin as he saw Ayame bursting out of her Luxury Ball and on to the battlefield.
"No, I'll use Ayame," said Ash as he was quick to cover up his embarrassment.
"First time I've ever seen a Kalos Pokémon in my gym," Clay as he was surprised to see Ayame. "Let alone that you got there a shiny Kalos Pokémon."
'I'm ready to dance, Boss,' Krokorok informed Clay.
"Krokorok, use Stone Edge on that Pokémon," Clay ordered his Ground/Dark-type Pokémon.
"Quick, dodge it Ayame," Ash ordered the female Ghost/Grass-type.
'Now you see me,' Ayame said as the stones were hurled at her. 'Now you don't!'
'What the?!' asked a stunned Krokorok as Ayame disappeared into the the floor of the gym.
For a brief moment, Krokorok stood there waiting for Ayame to come out of hiding. The Desert Croc Pokémon trained his eyes to the floor as Ayame had disappeared into the floor of the gym. Taking a step backwards, Krokorok kept his eyes peeled to the ground.
'I know that you're a Ghost-type Pokémon' Krokorok informed a still hiding Ayame. 'It's no use trying to use your Ghost-type moves on me. They won't work on me because I am part Dark after all.'
"Ayame is more than just a Ghost-type Pokémon," Ash said to Clay's Krokorok. "Now Ayame, use Bullet Seed!'"
'I was hoping you'd say that,' Ayame said to Ash before taking aim at Clay's Krokorok. 'Here's my Bullet Express! Free of charge to an overconfident Pokémon!"
'Gah!' exclaimed a shocked and surprised Krokorok as he was hit from behind with Ayame's Bullet Seed from long range and in the back.
"Don't let a little Ghost-type Pokémon get the better of you," Clay encouraged his Krokorok. "Get in there and show 'em that you know a thing or two from the Kalos region. Use Beat Up!"
'I'm coming for you!' Clay's Krokorok exclaimed with a renewed sense of energy and faster speed.
'What the Houndour?!' exclaimed a surprised and shocked Ayame as Clay's Krokorok charged at her with blazing speed and struck her with such power. 'Ah!'
'Oh no!' exclaimed Manaphy from my left shoulder. 'Sister Ayame!'
'Don't worry about Sister Ayame,' Victini said coolly. 'Our Kalos Ghost/Grass-type sister is tough. She'll make it through this battle.'
'But that Beat Up attack was powerful and it might've done too much damage for Sister Ayame to take,' Manaphy protested to Victini.
'Peace, my young Water-type brother,' Victini said to Manaphy confidently as we saw the dust clear from Clay's Krokorok making contact with Ayame. 'See Brother Manaphy? Our Kalos sister is much tougher than she looks.'
'Ugh, I need to work on raising my physical defense stats later,' Ayame said to herself as she remained standing... just barely and shook off her dazed feeling. 'We Ghost-type Pokémon don't really have the best physical defense stats.'
"Can you still battle, Ayame?" Ash called out to the shiny female Pumpkin Pokémon.
'I'm fine Ash,' Ayame reassured Ash. 'I can still battle. That Ground/Dark-type just caught me unprepared for that Beat Up attack.'
'Less talking... more battling, Ghost-type,' Clay's Krokorok said to Ayame as he charged at her to try and finish her off.
'Alright then, try this on for size!' lashed back Ayame as she fired hardened shells at the Ground/Dark-type Desert Croc Pokémon.
Clay's Krokorok then weaved through the hardened shells that Ayame fired at him with a confident grin on his face.
'Missed me,' taunted Krokorok. 'Missed me. Now you gotta... kiss... AUGH!'
The last barrage of hardened shells that Ayame fired at Clay's Krokorok made contact with the Desert Croc Pokémon, cleaning his clock and knocking the air out of him briefly. Clay's Krokorok then fell in defeat with a dazed look in his eyes.
'Hey boss... I didn't know there were stars in these here mines,' Clay's Krokorok said weakly as he passed out.
"Krokorok is unable to battle," said the referee. "Gourgeist wins!"
'I... I did it!' exclaimed a weary Ayame.
"Let's not go patting ourselves on the back just yet, Missy," Clay said to Ayame as he produced his next Pokéball and threw it up in the air. "Palpitoad, let's get to work!"
'Ready to earn my keep, Boss,' the Water/Ground-type Pokémon said he took a fighting stance.
'Back to work... back...' Ayame began to say before Ash recalled her back to her Luxury Ball.
"Alright Snivy, it's your turn. Go Snivy!" exclaimed Ash.
'Hmm... a Ground-type gym, eh?' asked Snivy with prissy attitude. 'This should be real fun... for me at least.'
'Don't underestimate me, unevolved Grass-type,' shot back Palpitoad.
"Quick Snivy, use Attract!" Ash called out to the Grass Snake Pokémon.
'Nice plan you've got,' said Snivy as she used what she considered as her signature attack much like Bianca's Minccino did.
The hearts from Snivy's Attract circled around the male Vibration Pokémon and inserted themselves into Palpitoad's body and caused him to be infatuated with Snivy. Clay didn't like that one of his best Pokémon had been stopped dead in its tracks by Snivy's Attract attack. The Driftveil gym leader gritted his teeth and was then quick to compose himself.
"This ain't no square dance here, Palpitoad," Clay said to his Water/Ground-type Pokémon. "Try using Muddy Water."
'I... I can't help myself, Boss,' Palpitoad replied as he was immobilized by love. 'I think the unevovled Grass-type has me spinning right round.'
"Snivy, Leaf Storm!" Ash called out to the female Grass Snake Pokémon.
'My... pleasure Ash,' Snivy said coldly as she unleashed a powerful storm of leaves and hurled them at Palpitoad.
The Leaf Storm attack hit Palpitoad for more damage either Ash or Snivy ever thought as Palpitoad fell to Snivy, still immobilized by love. Clay was shocked at how powerful Snivy's Leaf Storm, even without holding a Miracle Seed. As for Palpitoad... well...
'Boss... I shouted to the heart and found out I was too plain,' a dazed Palpitoad informed Clay. 'I think... she gives love... a bad name.'
'They don't call me 'Heart breaker' for nothing,' shot back a proud Snivy.
"Palpitoad is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Snivy wins!"
"Way to go, Snivy!" exclaimed a very happy Ash.
'Well... done Sister Snivy,' a still weary Ayame said to her fellow Grass-type companion.
"Well son, I seem to have underestimated you," Clay said to Ash as her recalled Palpitoad. "I hardly find myself backed into a corner, down 2-0."
'There's always a first, my friend,' Victini called out to Clay.
"Well, I ain't gonna fall so easily, son," Clay informed Ash threw up his last Pokéball. "Excadrill, let's go, my partner!"
Clay's Ground/Steel-type let out an exasperated sigh as he shook his head in disappointment that he had to be called out to battle. He looked to Ash's Snivy and rolled his eyes as he assumed that was going to be his next opponent to face in battle. I looked to Ash and wondered what he was gonna do next. Was he going to try his with Snivy, go back to using Ayame or was he going to bring in Virizion and let a fresh face take over? I saw Ash producing Snivy's Pokéball and making his next move as he recalled her to her Pokéball.
"Time to end this gym battle and end it the right way with a shutout!" exclaimed Ash as he produced the Heal Ball that contained the legendary Grass/Fighting-type Grasslands Pokémon, Virizion. "Let's go Virizion!"
'I am ready to aid you in this gym battle,' Virizion said to Ash with a smile on her face.
'Uh oh, we might be in trouble here, Clay,' Excadrill said to the Driftveil gym leader.
"We can't back down now, Excadrill," Clay said to his Excadrill. "We're supposed to be representin' Driftveil City."
"Alright Virizion, use Seed Bomb!" Ash exclaimed with enthusiasm.
'Try this Ground/Steel-type,' Virizion said as she launched hardened shells at Excadrill.
"Slice through those shells with your Metal Claw," countered Clay.
'This'll be a piece of cake,' replied Excadrill as it launched itself upwards to intercept the shells.
"That's just what I was hoping you'd do," Ash said with a grin on his face. "Virizion charge up there and use your Double Kick!"
'Here I come, Excadrill!' exclaimed Virizion.
'What the Houndour?!' asked a surprised Excadrill as Virizion struck him with her Fighting-type move that caused a bit of damage to him. 'Ah!'
"This ain't no time for lettin' a lady smack you around, partner," Clay encouraged his Excadrill. "Use Bulldoze on Virizion."
'You got it, Boss,' acknowledged Excadrill as he began to stomp down on the ground and everything in Excadrill's path was hit by his Ground-type attack.
The legendary Grasslands Pokémon was hit by Excadrill's Bulldoze attack and had faint blue outline run down her body. Virizion shook off the Ground-type attack and narrowed her eyes at the Subterrene Pokémon. Victini was actively watching the battle, making observations about the battle and how Ash was doing.
'Well, your fiancé is doing well in his gym battle,' Victini told me as we watched the gym battle from a safe distance. 'But that Bulldoze attack might be a problem for Virizion since much of her strength is based on her speed.'
'So... that Bulldoze attack lowers the opposing Pokémon's speed, is that right Brother Victini?' Pikachu asked Victini from Erika's left shoulder.
'Yes, that's right,' Victini answered Pikachu.
"Let's take advantage and hit Virizion again with Bulldoze!" Clay ordered his Excadrill.
"Sorry, that's gonna work on us again this time," countered Ash. "Virizion, jump up to dodge the Bulldoze attack and then counter back with Energy Ball."
Virizion complied with Ash's orders and effortlessly dodged the Ground-type attack. Clay and Excadrill gritted their teeth as it seemed that the reduction in Virizion's Speed didn't hinder the deer-like Pokémon. Plus, the Energy Ball to Excadrill's face didn't make Excadrill any happier. But they were determined to bring Virizion down and not much was going to stop them.
"Looks like we might out-muscle this here lady," Clay said to Excadrill.
'I know what you're thinking partner and I'm on it,' replied Excadrill as he began to sharpen his claws with the Dark-type move Hone Claws to boost its physical Attack stat and Accuracy.
"Alright Virizion, let's end this battle," Ash said to the Grasslands Pokémon. "Use Sacred Sword!"
Virizion complied with Ash and seemed to focus on a gem that she found and held on to. The gem, she said was called a Fighting Gem and it strengthen the power of a Fighting-type move once and increase its strength by up to 50%. The Fighting Gem glowed as Virizion began to use her Sacred Sword. Both Clay and Excadrill were startled to see Virizion's Fighting Gem glowing when she began to use Sacred Sword. Both of them looked to each other puzzled as something bothered them.
'Hey Clay, how come that Fighting Gem didn't activate when she used that Double Kick on me?' Excadrill asked Clay.
"I'm not sure why her Fightin' Gem didn't activate when she used her Double Kick on ya," Clay answered his Excadrill.
'Because I did not want use my Fighting Gem when I used my Double Kick on Excadrill,' answered Virizion as her Sacred Sword was ready to be used on Excadrill.
'I must say say congratulations to you on a splendid show, Ash,' Victini said to my fiancé as he proudly polished his Quake Badge that he got from Clay after defeating him 3-0.
'I guess that means that Brother Victini and I will have to put on quite a show ourselves if we want to do as well as Papa and our sisters did,' said Manaphy with a grin.
'We'll do well, Brother Manaphy,' Victini said confidently before looking to me. 'You'll only need myself and Brother Manaphy to deal with Clay's Pokémon.'
"No, Sawsbuck is going to join you in battling against Clay's Ground-type Pokémon," I said to Victini firmly.
'But May, both Brother Manaphy and myself are more than capable of dealing with...' Victini began to say to me before I held my hand up to cut him off.
"Sawsbuck is joining both of you wither you like it or not," I reiterated my last statement in firm tone to Victini.
'What if Palpitoad's ability is Water Absorb instead of Swift Swim or Hydration?' Sawsbuck asked Victini as she came out of her Pokéball. 'Having me on the team will be helpful to you.'
'I guess we didn't think about that, Brother Victini,' Manaphy said to my silly little buddy.
"We've got until tomorrow to prepare for our gym battle," I told my three chosen Pokémon. "Let's get some rest and in the morning, we'll do some last minute training."
As group went back to the Excadrill Hotel, we were unaware that we were constantly being followed, or at least Relena and Richie were being followed. We had no idea of what else we were drug into, a conflict from the Atlantica Islands.
3rd Person point of view
Team Trident Underwater Headquarters
950 feet below sea level
675 miles east northeast of Costa del Sol, Atlantica Islands
"So that rapist, Giovanni is dead then?" asked the leader of Team Trident, Rhea Abyss as one of her spies was reporting to her from Unova.
"Yes, Lady Rhea," answered the Trident spy. "Two former Rocket employees viciously killed him in cold blood. The two former Rocket employees also left more dead bodies too as key leaders and head scientists were also eliminated. It's only a matter of time before Team Rocket becomes nothing more than a forgotten page in a history book."
'I was hoping to have the satisfaction of having that rapist in my jaws and devour him alive... while he squealed... pathetically for his life,' Rhea's oversized Sharpedo, Titan, said aloud.
Rhea turned to face her oversized Sharpedo and had a smile on her face. The leader of the criminal syndicate, Team Trident was a very beautiful woman. She was 6' 5" and weighed a lean and trim 155 pounds. She had a deep dark tan complexion and the only thing that she wore was a skintight, formfitting ocean blue one piece swimsuit with black trimming and the Team Trident logo located on the left breast area. Rhea may look beautiful but don't let her beauty fool you. The leader of Team trident had a very controlling personality and regarded almost all men to be selfish Grumpigs looking to fuel their lust certain forms immorality.
"We must ensure that our Adam and Eve do not die," Rhea said to the spy. "Continue to keep watch on them. They cannot die. They are our hope for humanity to start over anew."
Author's Note: And cut! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I apologize for making this chapter short. Next chapter will be something you guys will enjoy. Not gonna spoil it for you.
Victini: 'Please... please! Leave reviews for this chapter! And also tell Sparky that you love a certain ladies' Pokémon... ME!' ^_^
Aurora: '…'
Oh boy... Well, until the next chapter my friends have a Happy and safe New Year! Ja Ne!