Rose: Hey, all! Hope you're close to Lumiose City right now because we're having our next class reunion in 3 days! Rendezvous point is in front of our old stomping grounds! RSVP me ASAP! But try to come anyway! Hope to see you all there! =D
"I was wondering when we'd get the invites," Alya remarked, fiddling with the scroll functionality on her screen with her thumb.
"Does this mean Rose and Juleka are back in town?" Marinette asked, putting away her phone after checking Rose's group message.
"Probably," Alya shrugged. "You remember how she wanted to capture every memory she made back at the Academy through her love of scrapbooking. I never would've guessed she missed our class that much."
"I think your guess was a bit off," Marinette indicated with a close pinch of her thumb and index finger. "It's more of Rose wanting to preserve every memory she's fond of and class reunions are her thing, sort of."
"Eh, I don't know everything, so you were probably right on the Poké Ball," Alya nodded. "But the first reunion we had was because of Kim, wasn't it?"
"Yes," Marinette affirmed. "It was something along the lines of him helping the owner of Parfum Palace regain control on his runaway Furfrou, allowing us to use his backyard garden's Pokémon battlefield. Something along those lines, anyway. The garden was beautiful now that I think of it."
"Not to mention the prized Egg you won and the quality time you got to spend with you-know-who as his tag partner," Alya grinned suggestively, complete with vertically shifting eyebrows.
"Wh-What did you expect?" Marinette huffed, attempting to restrain her emotions at the implication despite her face sporting its familiar pink blush.
"You've been doing well with him, if I may add," Alya commented. "Way better than when we started our journeys. You don't stammer as much around him and it's pretty much a bad habit you can kick aside now."
"You're right," Marinette smiled. "I have been doing better in talking to Adrien. Now the problem lies in staying in direct contact on those gorgeous green eyes."
"Girl, don't start drooling now," Alya snickered. "We're almost there."
Marinette quickly straightened herself out and had put on her eager face as she marched forward. The two of them were closing in on Centrico Plaza and ultimately Prism Tower, the site of Marinette's fifth Gym battle, this pleasant morning. Marinette made sure to get a good night's sleep on top of waking up on time to prepare herself and avoid getting pecked by the family Fletchling so that she could make the designated appointment with Nadja. Alya came to pick her up as additional assurance.
The luminous landmark known as Prism Tower appeared larger the closer they went. It wasn't long until they were near the entrance and were greeted by two friends, one of which that Marinette was clearly most excited to see.
"Big day, huh?" Adrien quipped good-naturedly, to which Marinette help but smile goofily.
"Y-Yeah," Marinette giggled. "Day is big…"
"Too bad we couldn't catch you live, pretty boy," Alya responded. "A recording is not the same as the real spectacle."
"If Adrien was able to rock this Gym, then Marinette will have no problem at all," Nino assured.
"We're thankful for the support, Nino, but it doesn't mean much coming from a no-show," Alya smirked.
"Hey! It was for a good cause, bae!" Nino laughed with a faux indignant look. "Besides, excluding my bro, you dudettes completely forgot about me."
"That's because you weren't around to help with Manon," Alya pointed out.
"Nuh-uh, you're not pulling that on me," Nino grinned. "Adrien already told me the story on how he, quote on quote, 'screwed up badly.'"
"Those were my exact words, just so you knew," Adrien shrugged.
"Adrien, please stop," Marinette sighed. She hated to watch him pity himself. It was one thing for her to indulge in such a vice during moments of weakness, but she wasn't about to let her crush do it too. "No one's blaming you for it."
"And you learned your lesson," Alya added bluntly, receiving a glower from Marinette that questioned her helpfulness, or seeming lack thereof. "What? He's still a child that needs to know the ways of the world."
"Yes, but not through your corrupted ways," Marinette muttered, looking away in a huff.
"Dudettes, as much as we want to properly educate Adrien on the world…," Nino announced.
"I'm right here, you know," Adrien waved dryly.
"Marinette's got a Gym badge to win," Nino finished, gesturing them to follow him inside the entrance.
Marinette recalled visiting Prism Tower in her earlier years, yet the marvelous mechanical interior of the structure never ceased to amaze her. It was as though the future was now, thanks to science.
She could somewhat recall the history of Prism Tower's construction and its official use as a Pokémon Gym as she was told the story when she was younger than Manon's age. As far as Marinette could remember, before Nadja was bestowed the title of Lumiose Gym Leader, the previous Gym Leader, having come from a long line of mechanics and inventors, was in charge of maintaining the great technological advances that allowed Prism Tower to be the brilliant centerpiece of Lumiose City. The former Gym Leader's family had contributed to the initial architecture and wiring of the tall illuminating tower in days past. Now a small squad of professionals trained under the former Gym Leader managed Prism Tower's system so Nadja wouldn't have to stress over that arduous task while the Gym Leader was out to freely explore the world.
Their little group walked through the mechanically lined corridor before coming to a stop before a door imprinted with the Pokémon League emblem. The monitor hanging overhead came to life upon sensing their presence. An automated voice recording started to play as the camera attached to the monitor scanned over the four Trainers, ultimately stopping at Marinette as she was the one to respond.
"Welcome, challenger, to Prism Tower, otherwise known as the official Lumiose Gym," it greeted. "Before you can proceed, please answer the following question truthfully. How many badges do you currently own?"
"Um, four?" Marinette responded rather hesitantly.
"This Gym takes its Badge requirements seriously," Nino commented, folding his arms. "Too seriously for my tastes."
"You answered 'four,'" the automated recording continued. "Know that by meeting the badge number prerequisite, you are ready to challenge the Gym Leader to a battle. Do you wish to continue?"
"Yes please, before I lose my nerves," Marinette urged impatiently.
"This is definitely an interesting way to perform inspection," Alya hummed.
"Access granted," the automated voice announced as the metal door began to slowly split apart. "Good luck, challenger."
As though a triumphant reprise of a Pokémon Gym's presence was playing in the background, Marinette felt herself pump up out of sheer excitement as the sight of a large dirt battlefield greeted her from beyond the entry point. More importantly, Nadja and Manon waited for her right on the other side. Marinette noted that Manon had the Dedenne from yesterday perched on a shoulder. Resisting the urge to scoop up the cute Antenna Pokémon and risk making a foolish spectacle in front of Nadja, her friends, and especially Adrien, Marinette went forward with her friends by her side to meet with Nadja.
"You're right on time, Marinette," Nadja greeted with a smile. "Please forgive the old security system. A new badge verification system is still a work in progress, according to the head engineer. At least it didn't appear to give you a hard time."
"Hard time?" Marinette repeated
"A few Pokémon Trainers from the past were required to also show the camera the badges they earned, but those that didn't qualify and attempted to lie were subjected to some… painful electrocution," Nadja explained, looking away uncomfortably. "That feature has been disabled, though strangely enough, it has attempted to regress into its legacy mode a few times. A new way I came up with to uphold the Lumiose Gym tradition with less shocking… methods was to have challengers schedule ahead of time so that I could devote myself to them. My secretary would work the Gym matches into available timeslots and verify beforehand if they have obtained the four-badge prerequisite."
"But wait, I got to talk to you about it," Marinette pointed out.
"Consider it as a favor to a family friend," Nadja winked. "Also, did you know that Manon hadn't stopped talking about you since yesterday?"
"It was the best day we ever had together!" Manon exclaimed, followed by Dedenne expressing the same joyous sentiment. "I made a new friend and got to experience a real Pokémon battle for the first time!"
"Denne!" Dedenne squeaked in agreement.
"I'm working in some time to teach her before she starts Trainer School," Nadja added.
"Manon is definitely gonna be at the top of her class, just like a certain Ace Trainer that battled you not too long ago," Alya remarked, slyly glancing in Adrien's direction.
"Like me?" Adrien laughed. "While I do agree she's going to be a great future Trainer, I wasn't that spectacular. If anything, Max aced all the written exams."
"Yeah, but you aced the practical field exams," Nino countered. "Max was good with strategy and all, but he easily fell apart when facing unpredictability in battles, hence why he ended up as second-best in our class. It's not like Pokémon battles are exactly like RPGs, y'know. I'd say in this case they'd be more like real-time strategy games, if nothing else."
"That's an interesting way to look at it," Alya smirked.
"We have a few more minutes before we go live," Nadja announced. "Marinette, are you ready?"
"I guess, but I want to ask why you film your Gym battles," Marinette replied as Alya, Adrien, Nino, and Manon went to the row of spectator seats situated on a side of the battlefield. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean."
"I'm a reporter by trade, Marinette," Nadja explained. "It's my job to report current events in front of a camera at all times for the good of the populace of Kalos. Just because I'm also the Lumiose Gym Leader doesn't mean I'm off the scene just yet. It's also good for the people of Kalos to know who future top contenders for the Pokémon are going to be, and with the number of badges restriction in place for this Gym, everyone will have great expectations for any Pokémon Trainer that is able to walk out of here with a badge. Another reason is for Trainers to get used to the spotlight as they will be watched in major competitions no matter where they go."
"I see," Marinette nodded. "Well, thank you, Nadja. I'm sorry, but even though we've known each other for a long time, I never, well, you know, though much about what things are like on your end."
"It's not a problem, dear," Nadja waved off. "It's not expected for you to do such things. All that you should be concerned about is overcoming my Electric-types. They've been with me throughout every report I've made. We've traveled around Kalos and allowed current events to strengthen our bonds. I'm sure you'll be amazed once it's show time."
"I'm sure at least one of us will be shocked by the end," Marinette responded with a determined smile.
"That's what I like to hear, challenger," Nadja smirked.
In no time flat, the two of them had taken their positions opposing one another on the battlefield. Nadja's camera crew was situated near the battle judge, making the final preparations before show time. Marinette's supporting squad watched on keenly with Manon already taking the initiative and cheering for both sides. The main camera was turned towards Nadja, a member from the crew about to signal her.
"You're live, Mrs. Chamack," he indicated.
"Greetings, viewers, and welcome once more to the Gym battle segment of Lumiose Live," Nadja began formally. "Last time, I've had the privilege of testing a Kalos favorite, Champion Agreste's son himself, Adrien Agreste, for his right to compete in the upcoming Kalos League Conference. And now I have the pleasure of accepting an official challenge from a family friend who has also begun her journey months back. Another graduate from our fair Lumiose Trainer Academy, please show your support for Marinette Dupain-Cheng!"
The camera turned towards the dark-bluenette designer, who quickly adopted her bashfully awkward grin upon being thrown under the spotlight. From her seat, Alya gestured with a hand under her chin for her BFF to say something.
"Um, hello," Marinette squeaked, her grin tightening up ever so slightly.
The camera mercifully turned back to Nadja, who simply appeared amused. Considering that she practically performed this stunt for every Gym match, she was able to take things in stride regardless of how her challengers behaved in front of a live camera.
"Marinette, have you any final words before we turn the time over to the battle judge so that he could begin officiating?" Nadja prompted.
"Oh, uh… let this be an awesome match?" Marinette suggested.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Nadja nodded, looking back at the cameraman, who then shifted the perspective upon the battle judge.
"This is an official Gym battle for the Voltage Badge between Lumiose Gym Leader Nadja Chamack and the challenger, Marinette Dupain-Cheng," the battle judge began. The live broadcast for people tuned in featured different views of the battlefield, including solo shots of both competitors, as the rules were being explained. "Three Pokémon will be used by both sides. The battle will end once all three Pokémon from either side are deemed unable to battle. Furthermore, only the challenger will be allowed to make substitutions. Are there any questions?"
"No," Nadja responded.
"None from me," Marinette answered, her nerves steeling up as the battle was about to begin.
"There is no time limit," the battle judge continued. "Trainers, please select your first Pokémon."
"Allow me to start the show," Nadja quipped, tossing her first Poké Ball out. "Heliolisk, you're on!"
Alya recognized that yellow Pokémon with the frilled collar back at Geosenge Town when she arrived to report on Team Akuma's official first attack against Kalos. It was unpleasant to remember, but it did involve having to confront Ivan, who was kidnapped and subsequently turned into the first known Bond Hybrid with his Rhyhorn by Team Akuma. But after watching the recording of Adrien's battle against Nadja yesterday, she was interested on how this would play out as Heliolisk was her last Pokémon that ultimately fell against Adrien's evolved Marowak.
"I'm going to test the waters with you first," Marinette whispered to her Poké Ball before giving it a mighty throw. "Kirlia, let's go!"
The Emotion Pokémon made her entrance with a little curtsy upon release from the light. There was a powerful calm that overtook the whole battlefield as the combatants stared each other down while waiting for the battle judge to announce the commencement and for the first command to be issued out.
"Now then, battle begin!" the battle judge bellowed.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Kirlia, ?, ?) VS Nadja Chamack (Heliolisk, ?, ?)
"Come at me with everything you've got," Nadja beckoned.
"You got it, Nadja," Marinette responded, moving a hand forward. "Kirlia, use Confusion!"
The first attack had been straightforward and successful. Kirlia had bound Heliolisk under a small telekinetic wave while carefully observing any signs of movement or counterattacks. So far, Heliolisk didn't even appear to try and break out of the Confusion. Kirlia looked back at Marinette, who shared the same sentiment of wariness.
"Too easy," Adrien commented grimly. "She's already up to something just by gauging Kirlia's power."
"It just barely started," Alya argued. "Don't count Marinette out, A."
"I wasn't, but Marinette better be careful either way," Adrien replied, observing the ongoing stalemate with Heliolisk bound by Kirlia's Confusion.
"Okay then, send Heliolisk into the ground!" Marinette commanded.
Kirlia levitated Heliolisk several feet high enough for additional slamming power before sending her into the dirt. Again, Heliolisk and Nadja treated the situation with unsettling coolness despite not landing an attack themselves. It was only when Heliolisk reached a foot left between her and the ground did she finally react. With a fierce screech, she swiftly opened up her collar in spite of Confusion's power, slightly slowing her descent long enough for her to fully break out of the telekinetic bind and use her tail to catch her fall, ultimately catching Marinette and Kirlia off guard.
"Not bad," Nadja smirked. "What else do you have?"
"This! Magical Leaf!"
Mysterious glowing green leaves instantaneously appeared around Kirlia, who used her arms to direct them to chase down and pummel her quarry. Heliolisk waited for Nadja's signal.
"Counter with Dragon Tail!"
Heliolisk's tail whipped about as it became covered in green energy patterned as scales. The Generator Pokémon turned on the tip of her left foot to swing her Dragon Tail and demolish the incoming Magical Leaves. She continued spinning about to swat away the remainder of the leaves, much to Marinette's frustration.
"Kirlia, now! Push back with Confusion!"
Her Pokémon quickly shifted gears, focusing her mental prowess and sending a telekinetic blast to throw Heliolisk off her game before she could stop her Dragon Tail defense. She was sent sliding against the dirt, kicking up some dust from her bounces before skidding to a stop upon digging her fingers and toes into the ground.
"Atta girl, Marinette!" Alya cheered.
"Thunder Wave!" Nadja ordered.
"Dodge it!" Marinette yelled.
Heliolisk was back up and opened up her collar, firing a pulse of electromagnetic rings in Kirlia's direction. Having been given the heads up on the counterattack, Kirlia spun on the tip of one foot to build up power to leap away farther. What she didn't count on was how fast the Thunder Wave honed in towards her as she made the attempted dodge.
As though it appeared that Kirlia gracefully leapt out of range, a leg of hers was barely grazed by the incoming electromagnetic rings. It was enough for the Thunder Wave to establish full contact on her, capturing her briefly in an electrically paneled dome before manifesting itself as crippling yellow static electricity that now paralyzed her. Kirlia was now on her hands and knees, reeling in from the discomfort of her acquired paralysis.
"You should've known that when dealing with Electric-types that there's a high chance of being paralyzed," Nadja advised.
"Then you should've known that paralyzing Kirlia is that last thing you should do," Marinette retaliated. "Kirlia's Ability is Synchronize and you just activated it by giving her a status condition. Show her, Kirlia!"
Kirlia managed enough strength to lift her head up and look Heliolisk in the eye, establishing a mental link to share the pain she was facing to her opponent. Static electricity gathered up in front of Kirlia before darting into Heliolisk, but it instantly dispersed upon contact. Heliolisk merely hissed in response.
"Oh, girl," Alya sighed, placing a hand over her head.
"You can't blame her for thinking this could work," Adrien remarked. "Maybe in another time, it could've worked."
"Wh-What's going on?" Marinette questioned. "Why isn't Heliolisk also experiencing paralysis?"
"Electric-type Pokémon can't be paralyzed," Nadja explained, folding her arms. Marinette suddenly wanted to smack herself for making such a negligent error. This was taught plenty of times back at the Academy. "Were you really counting on that tactic to work? You won't win with a common misbelief, Marinette." Blowing out her disappointment in a sigh, she resumed her focus on the Gym battle. "Heliolisk, use Bulldoze!"
Heliolisk raised a foot high and stomped hard into the ground, sending out a shockwave that practically caused the battlefield to rise and flow like an ocean wave. Except this wave was rolling towards Kirlia at a mercifully fast pace.
"Kirlia, Magical Leaf!"
Pushing through her paralysis, Kirlia got back on her feet and conjured up glowing leaves around her. She sent them flying into Heliolisk, who took the attack head on while Kirlia was knocked back by the Bulldoze shockwave. The Emotion Pokémon was down again, but had propped herself up on her hands, signifying that she was not out just yet.
"Heliolisk has taken some damage, but I think she can hold off another of Marinette's attacks before resorting to healing," Nadja mused to herself. "It's not time yet to show Heliolisk's remaining move."
"Kirlia, can you keep going?" Marinette called out. Her Kirlia nodded back to her. Marinette smiled, glad that her Pokémon was just as determined to fight on. "Alright! Use Confusion!"
Kirlia got back up again and attempted to focus her telekinetic powers between her hands. Unfortunately, this was the moment her paralysis decided to act up as static suddenly discharged all over her body and locking her body in place.
"Now!" Nadja alerted. This was as good as any for her to strike. "Heliolisk, Parabolic Charge!"
Heliolisk's frills opened up as she prepared her attack, launching an electrical orb high above the battlefield. Bolts were unleashed in practically every direction, one of which thundered down on Kirlia and giving her quite the jolt that further weakened her to her limits. The electricity died down once the Parabolic Charge sphere dissolved into sparkles that rained upon Heliolisk, giving her a momentary rejuvenating glow of green from sapping Kirlia's stamina.
"C'mon, Marinette!" Alya shouted. "Get your butt in gear!"
"Is Marinette gonna lose?" Manon asked.
"No, she won't," Alya shook her head. "It's still the beginning of the battle. Anything can happen."
"Alya, are you sure she was prepared for this?" Nino frowned.
"It doesn't look good, yes, but that just means that Marinette will shine even brighter once she gets herself out of this mess," Alya affirmed.
"I think Marinette does have a chance to turn it around," Adrien added. "She now knows Heliolisk's moves and tactics. With her battle style, she can definitely turn this around."
"Marinette is so gonna get a major confidence boost once I tell her this," Alya whispered to herself, grinning madly over Adrien's strong support for her BFF.
"You said something?" Adrien inquired.
"No, no, let's just get back to cheering for Marinette," Alya waved off.
We just need to wait for the right time¸ Marinette formulated. During the time that Kirlia was struck by Parabolic Charge and Heliolisk was healing herself, she quickly reviewed the moves the Generator Pokémon used and potentially figured out a way to finish off Heliolisk for good. Despite her average standing back in the Academy, she did retain the lessons well enough to figure out how to counter the moves Heliolisk used. "Kirlia, get ready!"
"I'm afraid you won't be able to do much as long as your Pokémon remains paralyzed," Nadja warned. "Heliolisk, use Bulldoze!"
"Magical Leaf into the ground!"
The tactic was astonishing to many that heard her issue the command. Kirlia didn't question it as she began launching many leaves into the ground all around her until it looked like she was standing in the middle of a small patch of grass. She accomplished this feat just before the Bulldoze shockwave came roaring in and bounced her high in the air.
However, unlike the previous time, Kirlia appeared to be in control while airborne instead of being flung back like a rag doll, much to the surprise of many observing the spectacle.
"I get it now," Adrien spoke up. "I'm actually surprised she figured it out. Guess she was paying attention in class."
"What, what?" Nino pressed impatiently.
"Ground-type moves that involve direct contact with the earth, such as Bulldoze, Earthquake, and Magnitude, are weakened by Grassy Terrain or something similar with its effects," Adrien explained. "Marinette must've known that and attempted to replicate it with Kirlia's Magical Leaf, weakening Bulldoze enough for her to survive another hit and strike back."
"Told ya she'd figure it out," Alya declared proudly.
"Now Kirlia, use Confusion and bring Heliolisk close!" Marinette followed up.
Heliolisk found herself seized by an invisible force and pulled towards Kirlia, being dragged against the ground for additional damage before she found herself becoming the Emotion Pokémon's landing cushion. Kirlia wasn't heavy, but with her on top and able to strike back however she wanted to, Heliolisk struggled to throw her off before her foe could get in another hit. Kirlia was reduced to wrapping her arms around her neck and her legs around her torso to stay on her.
"Heliolisk, Parabolic Charge!" Nadja commanded.
"Kirlia, Draining Kiss!" Marinette intervened.
The Generator Pokémon struggled to follow through her order, unable to open up her frills with Kirlia adamantly holding on for dear life. Kirlia, on the other hand, focused on her task at hand and gave Heliolisk an affectionate peck on the back of her head. Heliolisk felt herself heat up at the sudden gesture while a good portion of her stamina was stolen by Kirlia. However, the redness was more out of rage than affection as Heliolisk had enough and tossed Kirlia off her back. Even having her energy stolen, Heliolisk remained resilient.
"That was an excellent ploy, Marinette," Nadja commended. "Using Magical Leaf to weaken Bulldoze like that and then following up with Draining Kiss. It's time for me to take this to the next level."
"So will I," Marinette responded, holding up a Poké Ball. "Kirlia, return!" Despite the minor comeback she managed to achieve, she felt it was time to take the opportunity to finish Heliolisk off with her next Pokémon once Kirlia was back in her Poké Ball. She called out her next Pokémon with great swiftness. "Tikki, spots on!"
The decision to switch to a Pokémon that was at a severe type disadvantage in the Lumiose Gym, particularly at this moment, certainly provoked everyone's interests. Even with Heliolisk worn out from battling Kirlia, one careless move on Marinette's end would cost her the match.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Nadja commented. "Though I shouldn't doubt you after that last performance, I'm not going to take any chances. Heliolisk, Parabolic Charge!"
"Mach Punch!"
Despite her battle weariness, Heliolisk opened her frills and began to generate her attack. The time it took for her to open up her collar lost her a valuable second as she soon discovered Tikki was mere inches in front of her with a glowing right fist. It took one vicious hook to the face to send the Generator Pokémon flying past Nadja and into the wall, leaving quite the sizeable crater upon impact.
Heliolisk lifelessly tumbled out of the crater in the hole. If there was any indication that she wasn't going to get back up any time soon, her swirled eyes would be one.
"Heliolisk is unable to battle!" the battle judge announced. "Ledian wins!"
"Dude, that was merciless," Nino remarked in awe. "That Mach Punch was like… a one-hit KO."
"Call her 'One Punch Ledian,'" Adrien grinned.
"Tch, of course you'd be the first to make that reference," Nino snorted, rolling his eyes at the comment.
"You know you love it," Adrien laughed.
"As if your random Poké puns were insane enough," Nino muttered, grinning in spite of himself.
"Now, now, boys, no need to fight," Alya interceded lightheartedly. "We should be cheering Marinette on for getting an early lead."
"Thank you and great work, Heliolisk," Nadja recalled her fainted Pokémon. "You got me, Marinette. You threw me off guard with your battle style. You unexpectedly switched in right as you were building up momentum with Kirlia and then used a quick and powerful Fighting-type move to knock out Heliolisk."
"I wasn't going to take any chances after the previous paralysis blunder," Marinette responded.
"Of course, with a Flying-type Pokémon now in the field, this next round ought to be very interesting," Nadja remarked, pulling out her second Poké Ball. "Show us all how you plan to make the most out of your Ledian when she's about to meet her match. Go!"
Nadja's next Pokémon emerged out of the light of the containment unit and into the air, spreading out both yellow winglike flaps to guide along. Marinette resisted the urge to run into the battlefield and cuddle with her opponent's Pokémon, especially after said Pokémon gave off quite the adorable squeak.
"Yay! It's Mommy's Emolga!" Manon squealed. "She's a cutie! But not as cute as Dedenne!"
"I'm afraid Tikki loses her advantage here," Adrien commented, folding his arms contemplatively. "While Heliolisk was completely earthbound, Tikki had full control in the open space of this room and can freely dodge attacks. But having faced Emolga myself, there's just no running from her."
"Your battle against Emolga wasn't bad, dude," Nino assured.
"Cubone also couldn't land a hit on her," Adrien reminded. "I had to switch to a faster Pokémon that was able to keep up."
"Hey, hey, do I have to knock some sense into a couple of boys' head?" Alya questioned, cracking her knuckles while bearing an irritated look behind them. "I'd like to enjoy Marinette's battle in peace without your bro bantering escalating over the real action."
"Sorry, ma'am," Adrien and Nino lowered their heads in fear and shame.
"You're scary," Manon voiced.
"Don't think of it as 'scary,'" Alya said, instantly switching from aggressive to kind for the little girl. "Think of it as the righteous anger of this mythical Keldeo disguised among humans scolding a pair of misbehaving boys, rebuking them with the Horn of Justice."
"Ohhh," Manon appeared taken in by her words. "Wait, are you sure you're really a Keldeo?"
"Maybe, or maybe I'm really the fabulous Virizion," Alya whispered teasingly. "You can't deny I have style, even if Marinette is more fashionable than I am."
"Really?" Manon asked, eyes glimmering in excitement.
"Shhh," Alya gently turned Manon to face the battlefield. "They're about to start."
"Smooth, Alya," Nino smirked, only to receive a playful shove on the arm by the scarlet-brunette journalist in return.
"I believe you get to start us off this time, Marinette," Nadja offered.
"Gladly," Marinette nodded. "Tikki, use Silver Wind!"
Tikki's elytra spread out wider as her wings began to vibrate at an incredible pace. A strong wind current covered in powdery scales that glittered like silver was heading straight towards Emolga. However, the Sky Squirrel Pokémon took advantage of the blowing winds and casually glided high and away from Tikki's attack.
"It missed!" Manon exclaimed.
"Tikki, Silver Wind again!" Marinette commanded, undeterred.
"Emolga, Thunderbolt!" Nadja countered.
Emolga unleashed a lightning bolt of one-hundred thousand volts to meet with Tikki's Silver Wind upon the center of the battlefield. The collision of these special attacks wound up creating a tremoring explosion with harsh shockwaves that blew back against both Tikki and Emolga. Tikki soon gave off a brief golden aura, signifying Silver Wind's effect taking effect and enhancing all her stats, from attack, defense, and speed, up a level this time.
No doubt she'll try to figure out how to get around my attacks and shock my Pokémon after that, Marinette thought, thinking that it was pure luck that the Thunderbolt didn't break through and that Silver Wind strengthened Tikki the second use. I don't want to reveal my strategy against Electric moves just yet. She needed to figure out more of Emolga's strengths first. "Tikki, Supersonic!"
"Double Team!"
Concentrated high-pitched soundwaves echoed from Tikki's beating wings as she aimed them at one of the shadow clones Emolga just made. To no avail, that Emolga showed no symptoms of disorientation or confusion. Tikki sighed. Even though it would lessen the Supersonic's effectiveness in confusing the intended target, she allowed the sounds waves more free range to pick out the real Sky Squirrel Pokémon.
She may not be a Noibat nor a Noivern, but even Tikki had senses honed well enough that would pick up the differences in the air if the Supersonic soundwaves met something solid mid travel. As such, she found the real Emolga amidst the small crowd of Double Team copies. Seeing Tikki pick up speed was the time for Marinette to issue a command.
"Tikki, use Acrobatics!"
"Emolga, counter with your Acrobatics!"
Tikki's body blazed with a light blue aura as built up her momentum with a few aerial loops while Emolga followed suit after dismissing her Double Team. The airborne spectacle was something to behold for the camera to air, especially for the live audience consisting of Marinette's friends, crush, and Nadja's daughter. One would be tempted to say that the two part-Flying-types had snuck away together prior to the battle and rehearsed this air show as they mirrored each other's flight patterns, loops, and speed changes within their respective halves of the battlefield.
When one turned left, the other turned right to match. There was no doubt that their Acrobatics preparation held their pride as Pokémon capable of flight on the line.
"Go!" Marinette and Nadja shouted.
Their Pokémon performed one huge U-turn upon reaching the end of their respective side before darting forward to the center with the intent to knock the other out of the air. Two considerably small Pokémon cloaked in auras and giving them some resemblances to blue fireballs clashed at the middle of the arena. The strength behind their collision was great enough to emit a forceful invisible shockwave for within a short radius.
But despite the marvelous display of aerial prowess, the fact remained that Tikki had the short stick from the very beginning due to her severe type disadvantage against Flying-type moves. As strong as she was in matching Emolga's Acrobatics with her own, Tikki found herself careening in an angle back to her side of the field mere seconds after their clash, violently bouncing along the ground before rolling to a painful stop.
"Tikki, no!" Marinette cried out.
The battle judge inspected the damage closely, prepared to make the call after seeing quite the hefty amount of damage the challenger's Ledian just took. He stopped when he saw an arm rise up and push the Five Star Pokémon up from the ground as to get to her feet, albeit in a wobbly fashion.
"I'm impressed that a Pokémon that is part-Bug-type got up after that," Nadja commented. "If you wouldn't mind telling me, Marinette, what kind of training you've put your Ledian through?"
"We train hard to face any opponent, that's all," Marinette surmised. "Tikki held on because I believe in her."
"Your bond with your Pokémon is admirable," Nadja lauded. "However, I do remember Tikki getting a great boost in her stats after a Silver Wind use. Perhaps the additional defensive power she gained from that tempered her enough against Emolga's Acrobatics."
"Whatever the case, luck or otherwise, we're not leaving without that badge," Marinette declared.
"Then let us resume," Nadja smiled. "Emolga, Thunderbolt!"
She gave no chances for rest as Emolga's cheeks discharged a huge amount of voltage before releasing a potent bolt of electricity towards Tikki, who still wasn't in the air. Marinette decided that the time was now to enact her special trick.
"Tikki, let's do it!" Marinette bellowed, pumping a fist into the air. "Use Mach Punch into the ground as hard as you can!"
Activating the speed boost gained from Mach Punch, Tikki deftly climbed high in the air practically within a blink of an eye before diving down with a Mach Punch enhanced by her Iron Fist. Alya had to lean in close to see what kind of mad genius her BFF was, inadvertently pushing back Adrien and Nino in their seats while Manon remained safe due to her small size.
Tikki punched hard into the ground, surprised by her own strength upon seeing how far her fist dug into the dirt. However, it was no time for her to admire her power as she had to act quickly. Immediately after punching into the dirt, she scooped it up with the resulting force stored within her fist, erecting quite the substantial wall of dirt that blocked and negated the incoming Thunderbolt in a timely matter.
"My word!" Nadja gasped. "In all my years, I've never seen Mach Punch used like that."
"We're not done yet," Marinette smirked. She wondered if Alya ever figured out she discovered this tactic by accident when Adrien announced that Manon went missing yesterday and Tikki lost control of her Mach Punch direction, splashing up dirt on Alya's Electabuzz and negating the electricity he charged up. One quick glance at her suggested that she didn't. "Tikki, send some dirt Emolga's way!"
There was still some residual dirt in a pile that collapsed from Tikki's previous endeavor from stopping the Thunderbolt. Having four hands proved to be very salubrious for Tikki as they helped her carry more than a handful before activating Mach Punch once more for the speed boost.
Just like Nadja, Emolga was caught off guard at the defensive tactic against long-ranged Electric attacks that she didn't react in time when Tikki reached her and pelted her with the masses of dirt. It was certainly a crude substitution for Mud Sport and possibly Sand Attack, if one thought really hard about it.
"This puts 'playing dirty' on a whole new level," Adrien quipped.
"Saw that coming a mile away," Nino groaned, shaking his head at his comment.
"Come on, Nino," Adrien grinned. "I know you Dugtrio that one."
"What am I gonna do with you, Adrien," Nino shrugged.
"I can't help it if Omastar of making mag-Jellicent puns, Pokémon-related or otherwise," Adrien responded lightheartedly. "Not to brag or anything, but I am Chimchar-ming for a reason or Zapdos."
"Y'know, you should seriously consult with Liepard Noir if you want better Pokémon puns, Adrien," Alya suggested. "I think he's pretty slick and quick with his Lickitung, if ya know what I mean."
Adrien remained strangely quiet after that while Nino questioned his tastes in friends, but it was not like any of them noticed or cared as the Gym battle was still going on. They had a certain friend with dark-blue hair and bluebell eyes that they had to root for.
"Emolga, are you okay?" Nadja called out. Emolga nodded back, showing her willingness to continue despite being coated in dirt. "Okay. Let's use Acrobatics!"
"Tikki, dodge and use Supersonic!" Marinette commanded.
Tikki kept her eyes on Emolga's swift form in the air, guessing her every maneuver before making the critical decision of when to evade. She guessed right given that Emolga had utilized similar flight patterns when having performed her previous Acrobatics, only this one was the shortened version of it.
Emolga had to slow down after missing her mark, unable to divert out of the way when Tikki unleashed her Supersonic from behind. She pulled down on her ears, the high-pitched sound frying her senses. Soon enough, she opened her sunken eyes and resumed flying erratically in the air, successfully confused by the sound move.
"Emolga!" Nadja called out. "Argh! Use Thunderbolt!"
The command fell on deaf ears as Emolga opted to crash into the ground. She didn't use Acrobatics, but her speed could've suggested otherwise. Meanwhile, Tikki kept her distance and an eye on Emolga to avoid getting hurt in the process. Emolga rose in the air, recessed beady eyes locked in on Tikki's location. In her confused state, she was way more dangerous to handle.
"Tikki, Mach Punch!"
The Five Star Pokémon flew in and punched Emolga before she could perform a move, but even with her enhanced Mach Punch, Emolga didn't budge easily in the air due to her having the type advantage.
"Emolga, snap out of it!"
"Mach Punch back to back!"
Marinette wasn't going to pass the opportunity to rack up as much damage as she could on Emolga, even if the constant strikes would eventually shake Emolga out of her confusion like that time back with Jalil and his Mega Lucario. Emolga remained in the same place in the air, hissing and attempting to scratch at Tikki while Tikki speed by with a punch before turning around and repeated the process of pummeling the Sky Squirrel Pokémon.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Tikki landed four Mach Punches on Emolga and prepared a fifth with the intent to finally knock Emolga out of the air and possibly out of the Gym battle. She was lucky that Emolga had been unable to retaliate. In any case, she sped in, fist outstretched and ready to smash. This was where having four hands proved salubrious once more as she rotated in using different fists to avoid overexerting one.
"Emolga, dodge!"
Right as Tikki was about to finish her off with what was going to be one mean right hook, Emolga tilted back as her fist swiped over her face. Time practically slowed down now with this twist of fate as everyone watching peered in closely to see what really was going on. Emolga pulled her feet back as Tikki was sailing over her. Right as she halfway passed over her, Emolga kicked out and repelled Tikki hard, leaving her with a sore abdomen that she would be feeling tomorrow morning.
Emolga completed her flip following her kick, revealing her eyes, though tired and reflecting her low stamina, were back to normal and freed from confusion.
"Almost had it," Marinette muttered, clenching a fist.
"Emolga, Electro Ball!" Nadja followed.
"Mach Punch!" Marinette immediately responded.
Emolga held her hands in front, conjuring the Electro Ball between them. She paid no mind to Tikki, who forced another speed boost despite her increasing exhaustion to stop her. Emolga completed forming her attack, holding the electric sphere high and preparing to lob it right into Tikki's face. Tikki, however, anticipated Emolga's actions and readied a fist to intercept.
A second after Emolga threw the Electro Ball, Tikki caught it with her fist and pushed back before it could detonate on her. The Electro Ball wound up detonating on the both of them right after Tikki shoved the Electro Ball back into Emolga, who had no time to defend for the rebound.
The explosion had been abrupt. Out of the resulting smoke fell both Pokémon, landing with notable thuds and remained facedown the next passing seconds. The battle judge examined both bodies from his station, contemplating the final judgement. One hand moved forward on the field, pushing its body up. She was worn out as expected, but it seemed that pure determination was enough to have her endure to the next battle. In any case, the call was announced.
"Emolga is unable to battle!" the battle judge declared. "Ledian wins!"
"That's two for two for Tikki, y'all!" Alya praised. "That spunky little Ledian is gonna lead Marinette to victory!"
"Marinette is so amazing!" Manon exclaimed.
"I take back every doubt," Nino added, eyes widened in awe.
"She is amazing," Adrien nodded, though his smile soon became a frown. But if Nadja already used Heliolisk and Emolga, then her final Pokémon…
"You've grown so much since you left, Marinette," Nadja remarked fondly, recalling her Emolga. "You and Tikki both. Not many Trainers can make it this far on a type disadvantage, but I know you well that you can be pretty persistent when it comes to your goals."
"I know it's common sense to rely on getting the type advantage on Pokémon battles, but the bonds I formed with my Pokémon will supersede anything that stands in our way," Marinette affirmed.
"Then it'll be my great honor to invite this guest into our battle," Nadja replied, calling out her final Pokémon. "Magnezone, to you!"
Adrien held back a gasp. He didn't face a Magnezone in his Gym battle against Nadja, but rather its pre-evolved form, Magneton. It was also the first Pokémon she sent out against him. When Nadja claimed she would change up her tactics for each new challenger, she really meant it. The Pokémon she summoned was large and sturdy compared to her previous Pokémon, but unlike them, it reached a third stage of evolution. Not to mention that Magnezone was said to be one of the best defensive Pokémon known throughout the world. Its center red eye glared upon its weakened opponent, yet it managed to show no emotion other than fulfilling its given directive.
"Hey, Adrien, didn't you face a Magneton instead?" Nino asked, as if he coincidentally knew his thoughts.
"Yeah, I did, but I'm not sure if this is the same Magneton that evolved after or if it's a different Pokémon entirely," Adrien explained.
"She can throw a Zapdos or Raikou at Marinette and the girl won't stay down for long, not until she gets that badge," Alya declared her unwavering confidence. "Though it'd be cool if she somehow caught those Legendary Pokémon."
"I've read about them in lots of books," Manon chimed. "I hope I can meet lots of Legendary Pokémon one day."
"Tikki, can you still keep going?" Marinette asked.
The Five Star Pokémon raised a fist up, self-assured in continuing despite the fatigued smile she bore. Marinette opted not to dwell on her Pokémon's safety any longer than she should, though she couldn't help but worry a bit about pushing her beyond her capacity. They just needed to take down Nadja's Magnezone and the Voltage Badge would be hers.
How hard would that be?
"Magnezone, Thunderbolt!" Nadja began.
"Tikki, Mach Punch ground defense!"
Once more, Tikki speedily shove a fist into the ground and forced up a robust amount of dirt to block the incoming Thunderbolt. However, Magnezone's power was easily noted to be stages higher than Emolga's. The electricity couldn't get through, but the force behind it provoked explosive results.
Tikki slid back on her feet, having shielded her face with her arms from the aftermath. Masses of dirt were scattered everywhere. One pile managed to reach and hit Magnezone's left magnet, but the Magnet Area Pokémon casually shook the dirt off.
"What power," Adrien remarked quietly.
"I don't like using the same trick, but it's the only one that'll work against Magnezone," Marinette mused. "Tikki, use Mach Punch!"
She noted that Tikki was slightly slower in flying due to the exhaustion finally catching up. But Marinette also carefully noted how slow Magnezone moved in the air. Even at Tikki's decreased rate, it wouldn't be able to dodge like someone as speedy as Emolga would. The Mach Punch struck squarely into Magnezone, directly upon its red center eye.
But it didn't budge despite the type disadvantage it had against Fighting-type moves. It was truly living up to the reputation of a Pokémon with remarkable defenses. The other two eyes from the sides moved their dot-sized pupils upon Tikki and glared. The red eye narrowed and followed suit. Magnezone was mad. Marinette vocalized her horror in a gasp while Nadja directed her counterattack.
"Mirror Shot!" Nadja yelled.
Magnezone's body soon gave off a lustrous continuous shine that grew in brightness. Tikki barely pulled a fist back as an orb formed from the blinding luster directly in front of her face. There was no time or room to escape. The Mirror Shot struck her without warning and sent her to the other side of the room within seconds before ultimately resulting in Tikki crashing hard into the wall.
"Tikki!" Marinette screamed, intuitively running to where Tikki was going to land after she fell out of the crater her impact caused. She arrived in time to catch the Five Star Pokémon in her arms, who showed clear signs of being completely out of stamina. "Oh, Tikki…"
"Ledian is unable to battle!" the battle judge announced. "Magnezone wins!"
"She fought hard for someone with a major type disadvantage," Alya praised. "It's only a matter of time until Marinette finally seals the deal with a big win over Magnezone."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Nino hummed. "Totally have nothing against Marinette, but that Magnezone looks like a floating tank."
"Wow, and here I thought you came along to 'cheer' for her," Alya frowned.
"It's slow, which is something she can use to her advantage," Adrien offered before Alya could strangle his best friend. "And she now knows half of Magnezone's repertoire."
"There, ya see, Nino?" Alya smirked. "True dedication right there." She glanced over to Marinette before back on Adrien. Now if we can only remove that Oblivious Ability of yours, pretty boy.
"There's just no pleasing you, babe," Nino sighed, grinning besides himself.
"This battle's so cool," Manon commented, leaning on the stone railing in front and admiring her mother's Magnezone.
"Spots off, Tikki, great job," Marinette whispered upon recalling Tikki back into her Poké Ball. She placed the containment unit away as she made it back to her Trainer box. She took a Poké Ball out with a heavy sigh. "I know you're not going to fare well, but I need your help. Kirlia!"
She sent her Kirlia back into the action. The Emotion Pokémon appeared raring to go, only to cringe over as paralyzing static discharged from her body. The paralysis she got from the first round against Heliolisk was going to be a major hindrance, but it wasn't going to make much of a difference at this rate. With that on top of her weakness against Steel-type attacks, Kirlia was practically fodder.
But neither her nor Marinette would go down without a fight.
"I'm interested to see what you have planned for this matchup, Marinette," Nadja beckoned. "You're welcome to start us off."
"Thanks," Marinette mumbled. "Magical Leaf!"
As far as she knew right now, none of Kirlia's moves would leave a lasting impression on Magnezone. But considering the types of her attacks, Marinette figured that Magical Leaf would have some more resilience against Electric attacks as a Grass-type move. Thunderbolt wouldn't do much damage, nor would it give Magnezone paralysis. Confusion had a small percentage of confusing it on top of minimal harm. And Draining Kiss would not only be ineffective, but it would leave Kirlia wide open to a medley of attacks.
She needed to play it safe long enough to figure out a strategy to play upon Magnezone's weaknesses.
"Mirror Shot!"
Magnezone raised its front magnets up to form the lustrous sphere and fire it into the incoming stream of Magical Leaves to their source, destroying them completely as knocking them aside would do nothing. Kirlia attempted to move, but bad luck decided to strike as her paralysis acted up on her, binding her joints in place and leaving her no other choice but to take on the full blast.
"No!" Marinette cried.
The Emotion Pokémon landed on her back and didn't get up.
"Kirlia is unable to battle!" the battle judge declared. "Magnezone gets the win!"
Marinette swallowed her rising panic as she recalled her defeated Kirlia and thanked her for her effort despite being unsuccessful in ascertaining a viable strategy against Magnezone. She was no stranger in being down to one Pokémon in a Gym battle, but at least she wasn't the first one down to the last Pokémon. Surprisingly enough, even though half her team was weak against Electric-type Pokémon, she lasted this far by adapting to the situation accordingly.
A thought just occurred to her. The steps to her preparation for this battle. Marinette remembered how alarmed she reacted upon learning her disadvantage to Electric-types due to her lack of a Ground-type Pokémon on top of owning two Flying-types and a Water-type. She had studied her practice battle against Alya and her Electabuzz carefully under the restriction of using Tikki and Togetic to cover their vulnerabilities. That resulted in forcing up the earth to block Electric attacks through an external blunt force, which worked against Emolga. But with Tikki eliminated and her last decided Pokémon lacking a move that could produce similar results, Marinette knew she had to pay special attention to every feature of Magnezone.
Marinette may not be able to perform the same defense tactic, but that didn't mean she couldn't come up with a new trick to throw Nadja off for good. Also, hearing the loud cheers from Alya, Nino, and Manon, as well as seeing the confident look Adrien sent her way, was more than enough to keep her steady on the path to victory.
"Swadloon, I need you!"
Despite the strange indifferent expression she constantly wore upon release, Swadloon puffed out her chest to show her eagerness to fight. She glanced up to see Magnezone staring back with an unreadable appearance, though to be honest, an inorganic Pokémon with a magnet motif would be hard to read if its eyes never say much of anything, even if it is capable of emotions.
"A dual Bug/Grass-type," Nadja commented. "Now I really have to mix things up."
"Swadloon, Energy Ball!"
Marinette wasted no time going on the offensive, having Swadloon quickly launch a green orb that struck Magnezone squarely on its red eye. A dreary glow emanated from Magnezone as part of the aftermath, signifying its lowered special defense. Marinette also noticed the red eye was dimming out and expressing discomfort.
"Hmm… Sonic Boom!"
Magnezone retaliated by releasing a wide crescent-shaped shockwave from its front magnets. Swadloon didn't need to be told to dodge as she skillfully backflipped out of the way with the Sonic Boom coming apart upon contact with the ground.
"Charge in, Swadloon!"
"Sonic Boom again!"
Swadloon scurried forward, sliding underneath another Sonic Boom as it passed over her head. Magnezone didn't stop with one as it sent off several more shockwaves her way. They were too large and too close to each other that it was impossible to evade in a single bound, at least for Swadloon's abilities.
"Swadloon, Protect!"
This was her last chance to win. Marinette didn't want to Swadloon taking unnecessary damage if she could help it. The only disadvantage was that Nadja now knew Swadloon's special defensive move and would find a way around it if Marinette commanded it frequently.
"This is getting tense," Nino muttered, leaning on the edge of his seat.
"Swadloon, use String Shot!" Marinette commanded. "Latch onto Magnezone!"
The Leaf-Wrapped Pokémon spat out multiple strong silk threads out of her mouth, which successfully hooked upon the already slow Magnezone. She then retracting the strings to pull herself up while taking the opportunity to swing below Magnezone before coming back up from behind, completely entangling it within her threads.
Swadloon then extended the strings in her mouth to further wrap Magnezone in her web. Magnezone was nearly cocooned by the threads save for parts of its eyes.
"Thunderbolt!"
Magnezone didn't need to lock onto Swadloon's moving figure as the String Shot connecting it to her served as an ideal conduit. The Magnet Area Pokémon channeled its electricity through the threads to give Swadloon quite the shock. Her pained expression showed how much the Thunderbolt managed to affect her.
"Most Grass-types require to be grounded to mitigate damage from Electric attacks, but Swadloon doesn't seem to have that luxury right now," Adrien muttered.
"Shouldn't Thunderbolt still be ineffective on a Grass-type regardless?" Alya asked.
"It is, but Magnezone has proven to be very powerful," Adrien explained. "There's a reason Nadja saved it for last. She really wants to test Marinette."
"Swadloon, hang on!" Marinette called out. "Use Energy Ball on the left eye!"
Nadja gaped upon realizing Marinette's true aim. While the Strong Shot was going to be a hindrance, it wouldn't matter as Magnezone was slow to begin with. Pushing through the electrocution, Swadloon conjured an Energy Ball on top of her strings as she swung and wound up in a critical vantage position over Magnezone. She aimed for its left side and fired the Energy Ball directly upon the eye.
The resulting collision and explosion jarred Magnezone, causing it to cease its Thunderbolt. Its left eye, just like the center red eye, appeared disoriented. Swadloon then landed on top of Magnezone and severed the strings from her mouth.
"Magnezone, shake her off!" Nadja ordered. "Use Metal Sound!"
"Energy Ball on the right eye!"
Swadloon attempted to get a steady footing on top of Magnezone, using the sticky threads she wrapped it in as aids. But despite being nearly covered by String Shot, the Magnet Area Pokémon started to glow as an unsettling high-pitched sound reminiscent of scraping metal started to echo from its body. Swadloon couldn't concentrate on her attack as she wound up too busy cringing from the horrible noise. Marinette found herself covering her ears as well, unused to such sensations.
Magnezone then took the chance to tilt its body back and forth to throw off Swadloon's balance. Having to deal with both the grating Metal Sound and Magnezone's constant movements, Swadloon couldn't attack back and found herself teetering on the edge.
"Girl, you've got to fight back!" Alya shouted through the Metal Sound.
"Swadloon! Go!" Marinette bellowed, her passion reaching out to her Pokémon.
Right as she fell off from Magnezone, Swadloon forced out an Energy Ball through her discomfort and launched it at the intended target that was Magnezone's right eye. A big explosion, followed by another weakened glow of lowered special defense, was the result. All three eyes were now shot and Magnezone began to hover haphazardly due to its weakened eyes and rising battle exhaustion.
"Magnezone has great defense, but no one said much about its special defense," Adrien smiled. "Not that it's anything spectacular after all those Energy Balls."
"Total loophole abuse, in other words," Alya nodded. "Dang, she's savage going for the eyes."
"Not to mention lucky," Nino added. "Two lowered stages, man. That's so cray-cray impossible to pull off, for me at least."
"Let's show them how dirty we can play when push comes to shove, or rather pull," Marinette smirked. "Swadloon, use String Shot and pull Magnezone along for the ride!"
"Sonic Boom!" Nadja countered.
With its eyesight slightly impaired, Magnezone shot out a Sonic Boom at an image on what it thought was Swadloon. It was off by thirty degrees to the left. Swadloon released a single sturdy String Shot to connect to Magnezone before giving it a mighty yank. It was quite incredible to see such a little Pokémon heave another Pokémon ten times heavier and slam it into the ground if one didn't account for Magnezone's control over anti-gravity.
Nonetheless, the Magnet Area Pokémon had no time to react upon being pulled against its will and crashing hard into the dirt of the battlefield. Its impact gave quite the quake, living up to the saying of how the bigger one was, the harder they would fall.
"Energy Ball! Full power!"
Swadloon jumped high into the air and placed as much of her power as she could behind this Energy Ball. This significantly larger Energy Ball created an even bigger explosion upon colliding against Magnezone, so much so that dust blew out from all directions with Marinette, Nadja, and everyone else watching covering their faces from the aftershock.
Swadloon landed back on the ground, showing clear signs of fatigue as she could barely stand upright. She watched as Magnezone, freed from all the String Shot threads from the last Energy Ball, tilted back as to even out its weight distribution on the ground. It didn't get back into the air as it was evident for anyone that saw all three eyes were now swirling.
"Magnezone is unable to battle!" the battle judge finalized. "Swadloon wins! That means that the victory for this official Gym battle goes to the challenger, Marinette Dupain-Cheng!"
The camera zoomed in on Nadja, who had let off a sigh to relieve herself of battle exhaustion after recalling and thanking Magnezone for an excellent battle before facing the camera with her professional reporter face on. It was all part of the job description. Sometimes she won and the challenger would have to try again the next day. Other times, she would lose and acknowledge the challenger's eligibility for the Kalos League. For this case, she was welling with pride that Marinette grew up from the enthusiastic little girl that aspired to be a fashion designer she once knew years ago.
"This is Nadja Chamack, and as you have witnessed, I concede defeat," Nadja began. At this point, the live stream showed off Marinette celebrating her win with Swadloon in her arms as they jumped for joy. "I am pleased to show off to all of Kalos this upcoming Pokémon Trainer that bested me. Future contenders aiming for the Kalos League, don't let her sweet appearance fool you. Marinette Dupain-Cheng has the potential to make it far. She has my seal of approval."
Her literal seal of approval appeared when one of her crew members went up to her with the badge resting upon the velvet tray. Nadja plucked it before walking to the center of the battlefield to reunited with Marinette, who was surrounded by her friends and Manon. She noticed that Swadloon was recalled into her Poké Ball, no doubt needing a long rest after their battle.
"I still don't understand how you pulled it off through type disadvantages," Nino said, spreading his fingers from the sides of his head. "Seriously. Mind. Blown."
"This is Marinette we're talking about," Alya proclaimed, proudly pulling her BFF into a playful headlock, much to her embarrassment. "She makes the impossible possible, get it?"
"Heh, now I really have to watch my back," Adrien chuckled. Marinette felt her face heat up even more, made visible through the pink blush that was gradually darkening the longer he looked upon her. "You're going to surpass me, but I'd say you just did with that awesome battle. Fantastic job, Marinette."
"Thanks, Adrien," Marinette squeaked. Ohmigosh! He's praising me! And Adrien's so humble! It's not fair!
"So strong," Manon gasped, switching her glance to Dedenne on her left shoulder. "But we'll be stronger. Right, Dedenne? We'll beat Marinette and Mommy once I'm a Trainer."
Nadja cleared her throat to get their attention. Manon immediately went over to her side, hugging her by the leg while receiving an affectionate pat on the head. Marinette pulled herself together, getting out of Alya's arm and making herself look somewhat presentable while her friends stood behind her formally.
"Marinette, it is my greatest pleasure to hand you this, proof that you've beaten the Lumiose Gym," Nadja announced, presenting her the Gym badge. "Here's the Voltage Badge as promised."
"Thanks, Nadja," Marinette beamed, taking the badge with her fingers. She couldn't help but make her victory pose, even if she was going to look like a fool in front of thousands of viewers. "Miraculous Ledian! I just won the Voltage Badge!"
"Oh, girl," Alya smiled, pulling her into another hug. "You're seriously too adorable for your own good." Marinette good-humoredly stuck her tongue at her. "But really, congrats again."
"What's next on the agenda?" Adrien asked.
"That class reunion coming up, my brother," Nino answered. "Did ya forget that Rose messaged all of us this morning? She's back in town and is working on setting the whole shindig up."
"Does she need help setting up?" Adrien followed up.
"No doubt she and Juleka need it," Alya affirmed.
"Yeah, I was going to provide snacks from the bakery," Marinette explained. "But Alya, what about your work with Lumiose Press?"
"No worries, girl, I'm ahead of schedule," Alya assured, pulling her aside from the guys. "My article on Lady Ledian and Liepard Noir from the Kalos Power Plant has been polished and sent in. I'm free to go about and hunt for more stories. I so hope I can run into one or both again."
"Eh heh heh, it'll be too soon, I'm sure," Marinette grinned nervously.
"Marinette, you gotta relax," Alya advised, noticing how tense she was. "You won. You got the boy of your dreams finally seeing you as the skilled Pokémon Trainer you are. Everything will be fine."
"I know, but I just don't want anything to mess up my chances with Adrien now that I made it," Marinette confided. That, and Team Akuma has been quiet again…
Two days later…
Where was she?
She couldn't believe it. After all those consistent visits, she just stopped coming around. Granted, she visited only for two days straight, but that was more than what could be said about anyone else. Pokémon Trainers that relied on Professor Damocles due to keeping their additional Pokémon under his care would simply call him to make transfers. Not that they mattered to her.
All that mattered to her right now was finding that girl and subjecting her to her greatest prank yet. She would finally get a rise out of her. She would not dismiss her easily after this.
Fennekin had resorted to wandering around Lumiose City during the middle of the day to find that human girl with the glasses, having snuck out of the Damocles Pokémon Lab while the good professor and his aides weren't looking. Not that they would be out looking for her as they believed she was still hiding somewhere within the lab up to the usual mischief. She would be back before dinner time and before they would notice.
She had to admit that it was quite the adventure wandering beyond the Pokémon lab for the first time. The only time she was not at the lab was when she was still growing up at the secret Fennekin breeding center prior to being sent to the lab, but that was beside the point. Lumiose City was huge and it would be very easy for her to be lost if there weren't other Pokémon around she could ask for directions. There was also that huge landmark tower standing in the center of the city. If she could figure out her directions, then all she would need to do is to head for the tower and follow the correct road back to the lab.
In any case, Fennekin found herself in very unfamiliar territory. According to the people she had passed, the area she was in was called the Magenta Plaza. There were huge buildings everywhere. The search for the girl called Alya was becoming fruitless, but she wasn't about to go home just yet. Deciding that she needed to investigate a new area to find her, Fennekin scampered along the sidewalk, passing a peculiar looking café that rested at the corner of a tight alleyway.
Two guys exited the café, followed by a pretty waitress.
"Are we seriously going to go through with this?" one of the guys asked. "Now?"
"We know they're here in the city," the waitress concluded. "And the boss never said we couldn't do it. I'm sure he'll appreciate us for taking the initiative this time instead of twiddling our thumbs like some sitting Psyduck."
"I'm all for it," the second guy spoke up. "We need to cut our losses and strike. Even without additional muscle, all we need are numbers and we can overwhelm anyone who stands against us."
"As long as we avoid capture by the police, we won't dwindle," the waitress leered. "You boys better behave yourselves, got it?"
"Not like it'll matter," the first guy sighed. "But at least we'll go on in a blaze of glory. Alright, I'm in."
"Perfect," the waitress smiled cheerily with false innocence. "I'll let all the boys and girls in the back of Dustox Café know and they'll prepare for the big day tomorrow."
"No one will ever suspect a thing," the second man smirked. "For the glory of Team Akuma!"
Well, I hope the Gym battle lived up to your expectations. I guess when I get down to making battles, I just can't stop. Still finding ways to make it feel more fast-paced like in the anime, but what can you do? There'll definitely be plenty of more battles to come. And then there are the Showcases… Hoo, boy. Coming up with theme performances is not as easy as it sounds.
But now our heroes are going to have another class reunion, but it looks like something is also going to happen at the same day, according to the scene that took place in front of Dustox Café (I wonder why it's called that. I suppose it would've been too obvious if it was named after another Poison Moth Pokémon). I wonder how that day is going to end, hopefully with everything still intact.
Please review!