"We're nearing the heart of the islands," Tracia said. "Trovita is our biggest and most populated island, and Trovitapolis our largest city. We'll actually be close to the Orange League arena, too."
"Oh, I'd like to visit that," said Ashus.
"You'll want to be visiting the Trovita ludus first," said Tracia. "Rudius is possibly the most ruthless of all our lanistas, so be prepared, Ashus."
They could see the city on the horizon before they saw the island. The island was massive, at least twice the size of Cinnabar. Tracia steered Lapra towards the port. The closer they drew towards it, the more Lapra resisted.
"She sounds hurt," Mistia said, patting Lapra's long neck. "Tracia, what's wrong?"
"I'm not sure," said Tracia.
"Did something bite her?" Ashus asked.
"Maybe," said Tracia. "Thankfully a Joya lives on this island. We'll pay her a visit when we arrive."
A boat pulled up alongside them. "You'll kill that Glademon if you keep going," said the man on board. "Come aboard and put her away."
"What's going on?" Tracia asked.
"The water's been electrically charged," he said.
"Electrically charged?" Ashus asked. "How?"
"Nobody knows," said the man. "We suspect there's a feral electric Glademon somewhere, but we can't find it."
"Pika?"
They boarded the boat and recalled Lapra. Once on land, Tracia guided them to the Glademon center where they got a couple of rooms.
"We've gotta get that Glademon," said Ashus.
"I agree," Mistia said. "This is crazy. All these people can't live like this."
"I'll get Tracia, and we'll start looking," said Ashus. Ashus went next door and knocked. A dark haired man answered. "Oh, sorry," said Ashus. "I thought this was my friend's room."
"Ashus," said Tracius, "come on in. What's troubling you?"
"Oh," Ashus said. Tracius had cut his hair, removed his make-up and ribbon, and was wearing armor. "Sorry...Tracia?"
"Tracius," he said. "When I'm here, it's Tracius."
"Oh, okay," Ashus said, confused. "Mistia and I want to go look for the Glademon."
"Sure," said Tracius. "Let me go and get my weapons."
"Home?" Ashus asked.
"I lived here," Tracius said. "A member of the Trovita Guard and a resident of the ludus before I began my own adventure."
"Oh, okay," said Ashus. "Are you related to the lanista?"
"Something like that," said Tracius. "Hey, I'll be back, alright?"
"Okay," said Ashus. He returned to his and Mistia's room. "Something's wrong with Tracia," Ashus said.
"Oh no! Is she sick?" Mistia asked.
"I don't think so," said Ashus. "She cut her hair and is dressed like a soldier. She says we need to call her Tracius here."
"Oh," said Mistia. "Well, I certainly don't think it's our place to question her, um, him. You know, whatever she, I mean he says, we'll roll with it."
"She seemed so sad," said Ashus. "I don't understand."
"I don't think we can, Ashus," said Mistia. "So the Glademon?"
"Tracius went to get weapons, and he'll meet us," said Ashus. "I think we should get a map of the city."
"We'll talk to Joya," Mistia agreed.
"Oh," Joya said sympathetically, "that's very sweet, but, so many people have tried and failed."
"Well, we'll try harder," said Ashus.
"Pikachus!"
"Alright," said Joya, pulling out a map and handing it to Ashus. He unraveled it.
"Oh, this is a sewer map," said Mistia.
"Yeah," said Joya. "All the evidence suggests it's in the sewer. Have fun!"
Ashus and Mistia looked at each other and grimaced. Two doctore pushed through to Joya. "The weather here is screwed up too?" the male asked.
"Hm?" asked Joya.
"The water?" the girl pressed. "It's all electrified?"
"Mewa, this is something else!" said the male. "We escaped the Tartarus of Kanto for a new kind of torture!"
"Excuse me," said Mistia, "but what is happening on Kanto?"
"It's a sauna," said the man. "Temperatures of 100 in Pewter. Cinnabar just hit 140!"
"Oh my!" said Mistia. "Last we heard you were having freak blizzards."
"I actually wish we could go back to that," said the woman. "First everything died in the cold, and now the soil is turning to sand it is so dry. The poor are starving and baking alive in the streets. Moltreus is punishing us."
"What for?" Ashus asked.
"Who knows?" said the man. "Apparently Zapdo has it out for this place. Come on, Alba, let's get out of here. I hear Johto is beautiful." He took her hand, and they left.
"Goodbye," said Mistia. "Hope you have better luck in Johto. Ashus, I'm beginning to think they are right. Maybe the gods are involved in this."
"Zapdo," said Ashus.
"You understand this stuff more than me," said Mistia. "Could Zapdo be?"
"The Lightning Orb," he whispered. "It's here."
Tracius arrived. Like Ashus, Mistia didn't recognize him at first. "Tracius, I think it's the Lightning Orb. It's in the sewer," said Ashus.
"Hm," said Tracius. "That's an interesting hypothesis. You know, you could be right. The first place Ivia marked is not far from here. The Orb could have washed into the ocean."
"That may be true, but how do we get it?" asked Mistia.
"We don't," said Ashus. He pointed to Pikachus. "He does."
"Pika?"
Ashus bent does to talk to Pikachus. "Pikachus, this is going to be the most important thing you ever do. The fate of the world depends on you now. But you're going to be on your own, do you understand?"
"Ashus, what are you saying?" Mistia asked. "You're not going with him?"
"It's too dangerous," said Tracius. "Pikachus is the only one who can survive the electrified sewer canals."
"But how is he even going to know what to do?" asked Mistia.
"He'll know," said Ashus. "Only an electric Glademon can retrieve the Lightning Orb. Zapdo will guide him."
"I don't like it," said Mistia. "We could lose Pikachus forever."
"We could lose this world forever if Mewduo got his hands on that Orb!" Ashus countered.
"How do we know Mewduo is looking for it?" Mistia protested. "We don't even know where Mewduo is! Mewduo could be dead!"
"WOAH," said a man nearby. He was skinny and had auburn hair. He wore a black toga with silver accents, setting him apart as a man of wealth. "I'm sorry, lady, to interfere, but you might want to keep it down when you're discussing such delicate matters. I've heard Mewduo is devouring entire flocks of sheep and cattle."
"Sorry," said Mistia. "My husband is being reckless again."
"Well, my lady, you needn't let your marriage tie you down," he said, taking her hand. Ashus drew Lightning.
"She may go if she pleases, but I will not stand and suffer you to flirt with my wife in my presence," said Ashus.
The man scanned the companions, and then his eyes settled on Tracius, and he forgot the rest. He drew his sword and threatened Tracius. "YOU!" he shouted. "I should have known you'd be involved in this lot, you PAINTED WHORE!"
Ashus brought Lightning down upon the man's sword. "AND I WILL NOT STAND AND SUFFER-!"
"Ashus," Tracius warned.
"Ashus Ketchumo, my apologies," said the man. "Allow me to rid you of this filth beside you."
"I think I see the filth very clearly, sir," said Ashus. "Be my guest, then. Kindly remove yourself."
"Ashus, please," said Tracius, putting his hand on Ashus's sword. "Put down your swords, both of you, before we're all arrested. Ashus, Mistia, allow me to introduce you to Rudius Trovitus, lanista of the Trovita ludus, and my brother-in-law." Ashus and Mistia stared at them, trying to piece together what Tracius had said. Ashus put down Lightning, and Rudius put his sword away as well. "Rudius, Ashus has collected two Orange League badges. He would like challenge you to a match."
And just like that, Rudius was a perfect gentleman. "Well, of course, Ashus, it would be my honor. I am very sorry we had to meet this way."
"Likewise," said Ashus, looking at Tracius for confirmation. Ashus and Rudius shook hands. "Shall we begin tomorrow morning?"
"Of course, and you and your wife must stay at the ludus," said Rudius. "I cannot allow the Savior of Kanto to remain at this common inn. Please. I know our first meeting was tense, but..."
"Oh, of course we accept your invitation," said Ashus.
"Good!" said Rudius.
"We'll just be finishing up a few things here, and then Tracius can show us over," said Ashus.
"Hehe," said Rudius. "Ashus, a word." Ashus looked at Tracius again, and Tracius nodded. Rudius put his arm around Ashus and drew him away, outside of the Glademon Center. When the center was well behind them, Rudius said, "How did you come to know Tracius?"
"We met him on Valencia," said Ashus. "Ivia suggested he come with us as our guide. Why? What's wrong?"
Rudius sighed. "When you met Tracius, what did he look like?"
Ashus was growing uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was going and looked longingly back at the center. He also felt they were wasting valuable time with trivialities, and suspected that Rudius, on some level, was aware of that. "Well, his hair was long, and he wore makeup," said Ashus.
Rudius nodded. "My sister, Maria, met Tracius when she was thirteen. He was a member of the Trovita Guard, and well-respected. I believe he drew her a picture."
"He is a very talented artist," said Ashus.
"Yes, yes, of course," said Rudius. "You can imagine, I'm sure, that a family of my stature would not marry with common foot soldiers. So my father refused to entertain the notion, but my sister was smitten. She went personally to Tracius's family with a forged note asking for his hand in marriage."
"Awww," said Ashus, but he knew instantly that was not the reaction Rudius was seeking. His face was red with anger.
"They accepted!" Rudius exclaimed. "She ought to have known then that something was wrong! They were so quick to be rid of him. They were married in secret, and then, here he was, in our home, suddenly elevated in rank thanks to the whims of a foolish girl."
"I understand," said Ashus, "that a proud family such as yours would find it insulting, but Tracius is Champion of the Orange League, and he is kind, and smart, and..."
Rudius seemed aghast that Ashus could speak so highly of Tracius. "He is queer!"
"Well, yes, there is that, but that is no reason to speak to him the way you did," said Ashus. "Was he ever unkind to her?"
"Are you stupid? He ruined her! He doesn't want her, and now she's married to him, and nobody else will touch her for fear of...oh don't make me say it! It makes my blood boil, what him and his family have done to mine, and then he has the gall to show his face back on this island! No, Ashus. You and Mistia are welcome to the ludus, but if I see him anywhere near it, I will put his head on a spike."
"Well, I'm very sorry for your sister, but if that's the case we must decline your invitation," said Ashus.
"You are sick," said Rudius. "What does he mean to you? Are you queer too?"
"I am not, but that's irrelevant," said Ashus. "Tracius is our friend. We will not abandon him."
"His kind belong in a whorehouse," said Rudius.
"How dare you! He is not a prostitute, he is the Champion of the Orange League!" Ashus exclaimed.
"Fine, whatever," said Rudius. "But if you don't accept my invitation, then I don't accept your challenge."
"You're kidding," said Ashus.
"Oh, I'm dead serious. This is about my sister's honor," said Rudius. "I don't care who you are, my family is more important."
"Fine," said Ashus, "we'll play your game, only because I need to defeat you in a way I have never needed to defeat a lanista before. For Tracius's honor."
"Then this will be the easiest defeat I've ever had, for he has no honor," said Rudius.
Tracius and Mista sat side-by-side in the center lobby. "I was always drawn to my mother's jewels, and her dresses," Tracius began. "When I was a child she allowed me to play dress up. Then there came a point where she wouldn't let me near her closet anymore. But I found ways, of course, to satisfy that part of me. I would steal her makeup and practice late at night.
"I was fifteen when I met Maria Trovitus. I had been assigned to patrol the ludus, and she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid my eyes upon. Her long hair shining in the sun, her gorgeous gowns, and all of rich young boys came from far and wide to court her. She seemed so happy, all the time, and I just wanted her life. I wanted to be her. But I couldn't do that, of course, so I drew her, and one day she noticed my drawings, and that's when everything changed. She fell in love with me with all of the fervor of a thirteen-year old girl. My parents, of course, jumped upon the opportunity to be rid of me, and to raise my station, and so we were married. A secret marriage, for her parents would never approve."
"Did you," Mistia stuttered, "did you want to marry her?"
"I wanted," Tracius started, "I thought that perhaps, if I could be near such beauty, if I could be by her side, then perhaps, that would be enough for me." Mistia nodded. "We were very good friends, in the beginning, and I tried to fulfill all of my duties as a husband. I fell short, in particular areas, as you can imagine." He sighed. "I was wrong, of course. It wasn't enough. And so I started trying on her clothes, and her makeup, and everything. That's when I knew, for certain, what I was. I always knew, of course, but...I thought that, since we were such good friends, and she loved me so much, that maybe she would understand. So one day I came home early and got dressed as Tracia, and I waited for her in our bedroom."
"Uhhh," Mistia said.
"It was stupid, I know," said Tracius. "And it was made worse by the fact that it was Rudius, not Maria, who found me. He dragged me out of the ludus and threw me into the streets, 'where I belonged,' he said."
"Oh, Tracius!" Mistia gasped.
Tracius rested his head on her shoulder, and tears started filling his eyes. "I was never unfaithful to her. I want to make that very clear. But he wouldn't hear of it. And I understand. I know what the implication is. When have you seen someone like me in public who was not a whore?"
"Oh, no, I'm sure..." Mistia started.
"Yes, we are everywhere, but to see someone open about it, it is always in a brothel. I am the first of my kind to compete openly in a Glademon League."
"Wow," said Mistia. "I guess I never thought about it."
"And I wouldn't expect you to, honey," said Tracius. "Don't you think on it. It's not your fault. You and Ashus have been so good to me."
"Pika!"
"You too Pikachus," said Tracius with a laugh.
"So how did you become a doctore?" Mistia asked.
"Ah, well," he said. "Once I was kicked out of Trovita, I decided I had nothing to lose, so I started to live as Tracia, and I met Ivia. She was starting out on Valencia at the time, and she wanted me to go and test some of her Glademon, in luduses. And I kept winning, so she gave me Marilla as a gift, and I purchased the rest, and I took on the Orange League as Tracia."
"You are so badass," said Mistia.
"Stop," said Tracius.
"What happened when you came to challenge Rudius?"
"Ohhhh, yes," he said. "He wouldn't, of course, until Ivia threatened to stop doing business with him."
"And you beat him," Mistia said.
"I whooped his ignorant little ass," said Tracius with a smirk.
Mistia threw her head back and chortled. "But, what about Maria?"
"Oh, I didn't see Maria," said Tracius. "I haven't seen her at all since Rudius discovered me."
"Oh my goodness," said Mistia. "Well, you must!"
"I'm not sure it is wise," said Tracius. "Would you want to see me?"
"Of course I would!"
"If I did to you what I did to her?"
"Well, she must realize her brother is an ass. You said yourself how good of friends you were. Imagine how she must feel. One day you were there, and then you were gone. And the only explanation she has is what Rudius has told her. You can't leave it like that, Tracius."
Ashus came back, without Rudius. "Hey," he said. "So, Rudius won't accept my challenge if we don't stay at the ludus."
"Okay?" said Mistia.
"Just me and you," said Ashus.
"Naturally," said Tracius.
"No," said Mistia. "Tracius needs to talk to Maria."
"Rudius is not going to let that happen," said Ashus.
"Screw Rudius! This isn't about him!" Mistia spat.
"Go," said Tracius. "I'll keep watch over Pikachus, and we'll catch up with you later."
"You're speaking with her before we leave," Mistia said.
Tracius smiled. "I don't know what I did to deserve you two," he said. "Go, and enjoy yourselves. Don't you worry a thing about me."
Ashus and Mistia joined Rudius, and he escorted them through Trovitapolis. Rudius offered Mistia his arm, which she ignored until he forcibly took hers. They came to a port on the other side of the city. "Mistia, I've been told Trovitapolis is reminiscent of your home, Cerulean. Unfortunately I have never been there. What do you think?"
"They are comparable in size, but Cerulean is much cleaner," Mistia quipped.
"My apologies, lady. I'm sure you will find the ludus more to your liking."
"Doubtful," said Mistia lazily.
"The ludus and arena are actually located on my family's private island, just over there, see?" he said, pointing. They indeed could see an island on the horizon. "Ashus, our match begins on the boat."
"Oh?" Ashus asked.
"The House of Trovitus is committed to providing only the best entertainment. It is, after all, a challenge to bring spectators to our private island. We must ensure their hard earned money is well spent every time. This is why I test all challengers before they come to the ludus. I make no exceptions, not even for the great Ashus Ketchumo."
"I expect none," said Ashus. "What is our task?"
"Choose a water Glademon," said Rudius. "As we sail to the island, we will trigger targets to pop out of the water. Your Glademon must hit all targets. It is simple, yet, you can't imagine how many fail this test."
They boarded Rudius's "private boat," as he made a distinct point of saying, and Ashus released Squirtiles. Squirtiles looked around for his opponent. "Squirtiles," said Ashus, "you need to use your water gun to hit the targets in the water, okay?"
"Squirtiles," the Glademon answered.
Rudius ordered the captain to sail, and the first target appeared on the port. It was in the shape of a shell with a red target ring painted inside. "There!" Ashus ordered.
Once Squirtiles knew what to do, the game was up. Some of the targets came at rapid fire, and Squirtiles was not Ashus's fastest Glademon, but he did have the best aim. When Squirtiles missed one, Ashus need only point it out, and even as the boat pulled away, Squirtiles hit the target. Soon, they had arrived at the Trovita ludus.
"Impressive," said Rudius. "This will be quite the battle. I am looking forward to it!" He went to the boat captain and ordered him to round up citizens for an arena battle tomorrow morning, then turned back to Ashus and Mistia. "Come, come, dinner should be ready."
"Rudius!" came a female's voice. Ashus and Mistia looked up, and standing on the terrace was a girl with wavy, auburn hair and a flowing white gown. She had sunkissed skin and ample breasts, and blue and silver jewels sparkled on her arms and legs. Mistia took in a breath, remembering how Tracius had described her. He was not wrong. This woman was stunning.
"Maria!" Rudius exclaimed.
Maria descended the terrace steps. "Is there going to be a ludus battle?" she asked.
"Yes, tomorrow morning," said Rudius. "Maria, this is Ashus Ketchumo and Mistia Cerulus."
"Oh!" Maria gasped. "Welcome, welcome, it is an honor. And who is this cutie?" She outstretched a hand toward Togapia. Togapia grasped it and cooed.
"Togapia, our child," said Mistia.
Maria looked at Ashus in disappointment. "And where is Pikachus?"
"Pikachus is at the Glademon Center, recuperating from the last battle," said Ashus.
"Oh," said Maria. "I'd love to see him before you go."
"He was pretty banged up, but we'll see," said Ashus.
"Well, dinner is ready," said Maria. "Come."
Despite Mistia's commitment to remaining cold and aloof towards Rudius, she couldn't deny the beauty of their mansion. Everything that could be was encrusted in either gold, silver, or gems. Even the slaves were dressed better than most of the citizens they had passed on the Trovitapolis streets. Rudius seemed to have two scantily clad females at his side at all times.
After the lavish feast, Rudius insisted on giving them a tour of the home and of the ludus. It was very late. When Rudius brought them to their rooms, Ashus said, "If you don't mind, is it possible for me to go back to Trovitapolis? I want to check on Pikachus."
Rudius glowered. "Of course, Ashus. I can arrange a small ferry. You will return, of course, by morning?"
"Of course," said Ashus. "I plan on coming back late tonight, actually. It will be a very quick trip."
"Okay," said Rudius. "Will your wife be accompanying you?"
"Oh, I'm not sure. Mistia, do you want to come with?" asked Ashus.
"Nah, Togapia is tired. I'll stay and sleep," said Mistia.
Rudius smiled. "As you wish, Lady Mistia." He left.
Mistia took Ashus's hands. "You're going to get Tracius?" she whispered.
"Of course I am," he said. "You're right. He deserves a chance to explain himself to her, and to apologize."
"Isn't Maria just the sweetest?" asked Mistia. "I'm sure they can be friends again."
"Slow down," said Ashus. "Rudius said he'd put Tracius's head on a spike. We need to be smart about this."
"I'll go look for Maria," said Mistia, "and ask her about him. That way when you bring him, we'll have some idea what he's walking into."
"Okay," said Ashus. He kissed his wife. "Good luck."
"Toga?"
"Come on, Togapia, let's go to sleep," said Mistia.
After Ashus left, Mistia ran into Rudius alone in the hallways. "Mistia, can I help you with something?" he asked. He was bare chested now, and wore a crown of laurels and drank what smelled like an incredibly strong wine from a gold goblet.
"Oh, no, sorry," said Mistia. "I find it hard to sleep in strange places sometimes."
"I see," said Rudius, taking a long swallow from the goblet. "Here, have some wine," he said. He outstretched the goblet to her, and she accepted.
"Oh, wow," said Mistia. "That is strong."
"It is imported from Hoenn," said Rudius. "Mistia, I find that there is only one thing that calms me down on the eve of a battle."
"Mmmm," she said, taking another swallow. "This is very good." He took her by the wrist and lead her down the hallway. "Oh, I think I can find my way back to our bedroom, thanks."
"Our bedroom?" Rudius asked slyly. "Mistia, you are wasted on Ketchumo. A woman like you ought to be pampered and pleasured like a goddess."
"And what exactly do you mean by 'a woman like me'?" Mistia pressed, unsure if she should be offended.
"Why a woman of high birth, of course," said Rudius. "Ashus may be a hero, but he is still low born. There is much he does not know about pleasure. Allow me to show you how the high class make love." Rudius pulled her into her bedroom which was packed with people twisted in all kinds of positions. Rudius removed his pants, standing naked before Mistia. "Do not be afraid, my dear."
Mistia took another swallow of the wine, and the alcohol rushed to her brain. She cackled. "Afraid of THAT?! You're joking, right?!" Rudius' eyes bulged, and he picked up his pants to cover his erection. She handed him back his goblet. "Thanks for the free drink, sweetie. Been there, done this. Not interested in going back any time soon." Rudius seemed stunned. "What did you seriously think was going to happen?"
"I...I just wanted to make sure my guest was well taken care of," Rudius squeaked.
"I can take care of myself, thank you," said Mistia. "I'm sure one of your slaves can take care of that little problem." She gestured towards his crotch. "It's sad, you know? Men like you will never know what it's like to be with a woman who seriously wants you. If you listen very hard tonight, when my husband returns, you might get an idea." She took back the goblet and drank until it was empty, then dangled it upside down above his head so the dregs dripped onto his face. She then thrust the cup back into his hand before turning to leave the orgy room.
"You did WHAT?!" Tracius gasped. Mistia clasped her hand over his lips and hushed him. He turned red in the face from suppressing laughter.
"I think I hate him more than Giovanney," said Ashus.
"Oh, that's ridiculous," said Mistia. "He's just a big baby."
"Well, not that big, apparently," said Tracius.
"But oh, Tracius, Maria is the sweetest thing," said Mistia. "And quite possibly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. What do you think, Ashus?"
Ashus, unsure how to properly respond, simply said, "Uhhh..."
Tracius giggled. "She does not possess the cruelty of her brother, but, she has quite the same disregard for propriety. Oh, Ashus, I don't want to do anything to interfere with your match tomorrow. I'll hide until afterwards."
"You sure you can pull that off?" asked Ashus.
"It's late," said Tracius. "I know my way around this place. I used to live here, after all. You two enjoy your night together. Don't worry so much about me."
Tracius disappeared, and soon it was morning. Ashus and Mistia looked about nervously for him as they made their way to the arena. The stands were packed, and they sighed in relief. It would be easy for Tracius to get lost among the spectators.
They joined Rudius and Maria in the central box. Rudius had his slaves with him, fanning him and his sister. Mistia stared him down, and his face turned red.
"Well, good morning to both of you," he said. "Are you ready to begin, Ashus?"
"Yes," said Ashus. "I was surprised to hear that you conducted your battles in the classic style."
"We are close enough to the Glademon Center that it is practical for us," said Rudius. "So your Glademon are set, then?"
"Yes," said Ashus. "We are ready."
"Then let us begin," said Rudius, and he stood. "WELCOME CITIZENS AND GUESTS TO THE BEAUTIFUL HEART OF THE ORANGE ISLANDS, TROVITAPOLIS! I AM YOUR HOST, RUDIUS TROVITUS, AND TODAY, WE WILL HAVE A BATTLE UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU'VE EVER SEEN BEFORE! I, RUDIUS TROVITUS, HAVE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE OF THE LEGENDARY ASHUS KETCHUMO OF PALLETUS!" The audience burst into a frenzy of cheers and applause at this, which made Mistia giggle, as he had said his name twice but Ashus's only once, and at this everyone had cheered. "THIS WILL BE A CLASSIC TWO GLADEMON MATCH. THE FIRST TO DEFEAT BOTH OF HIS OPPONENT'S GLADEMON WINS. ASHUS, CHOOSE YOUR FIRST GLADEMON!"
"This is indeed a challenge, because usually I can use the ludus type to choose my Glademon," Ashus whispered. "Typically I'd use Pikachus in these situations."
"Use a water Glademon," Mistia suggested.
"He's already seen Squirtiles," said Ashus. "He's probably prepared to counter water. No, I think...I CHOOSE BULBAESAR!"
The left gate opened, and Ashus's strange grass type entered. Rudius glared at Ashus and said, "AND I CHOOSE ELECTABUZZA!"
Electabuzza was many things, but pretty wasn't one of them. She stood upright and was covered in shaggy bright yellow fur with black stripes. Her arms were thick, and she had antenna on her oval head that was mostly mouth. Two sharp fangs stuck out of her mouth. She flexed, and static electricity rippled over her.
"Ha!" Mistia laughed. "Good call, Ashus."
"Rudius is so predictable," said Ashus. "I wouldn't doubt that he pulls that little stunt on the boat just to see what kind of Glademon his opponent has."
"ELECTABUZZA, ATTACK!" Rudius shouted.
Electabuzza barreled towards Bulbaesar, and Bulbaesar shot razor leaves from his bulb. They grazed Electabuzza, but she continued on. She gripped Bulbaesar's bulb and pulsed electricity into him. Bulbaesar's viney appendages wrapped around Electabuzza's neck and squeezed. The audience roared.
"Are they rooting against Electabuzza?" Ashus asked. It was rare for spectators to root against the home lanista.
"They are rooting for Ashus Ketchumo," said Mistia.
Electabuzza gripped the vines and pulled. Bulbaesar screamed, then charged at Electabuzza and bit her. The Glademon were fumbling about, biting and scratching on the arena floor. Finally, Electabuzza dropped.
"You're kidding me!" Rudius exclaimed.
"What's that, Rudius?" Ashus said cheekily. Mistia squeezed his hand.
"COME ON, ELECTABUZZA!" Rudius shouted.
Electabuzza groaned. Bulbaesar still had his vines wrapped around her, and Electabuzza sent a shock wave through them. Bulbaesar released her for a moment and shook off the blow, and as he did, a purple powder escaped from the bulb.
"He's poisoned her, Rudius," said Ashus. "You ought to take Electabuzza to the Glademon Center immediately."
"Poison?!" Rudius exclaimed. "You didn't tell me he was a poison type!"
Ashus himself hadn't even known until recently. Ashus shrugged. "Are you going to help your Glademon are not?"
"Fine," said Rudius. "Mercy!"
"MERCY, BULBAESAR!" Ashus declared. Bulbaesar obeyed.
"Alright, Ashus," said Rudius. "Since we're playing that game...FOR MY NEXT GLADEMON, I CHOOSE EXEGGUTORE!"
The ludus guards removed Electabuzza, and Exeggutore took her place. Rudius certainly had some strange looking Glademon. Exeggutore was a fat walking palm tree, and he had three white faces. Bulbaesar regarded his strange new opponent and growled. Exeggutore leaned forward, and what looked like coconuts dropped out of his leaves and pummeled Bulbaesar. Bulbaesar shook them off and extended his vines. When Exeggutore dropped more coconuts, and Bulbaesar knocked them back to Exeggutore with his vines. Exeggutore did not like that. Exeggutore backed away from Bulbaesar, glaring. Bulbaesar did not take his eyes off his opponent.
Then, suddenly, Bulbaesar cried out in pain. He laid down and placed his hands over his head. Ashus stood up in confusion. Rudius laughed. "I took Exeggutore to Saffron once. Such a pity about that fine family."
"A psychic attack!" Ashus said, pounding his fist against the banister. "COME ON BULBAESAR! POISON HIM!" Bulbaesar moaned, but got up. Exeggutor dropped coconuts upon Bulbaesar, and the Ashu's Glademon fell again, but not before emitting some poison powder. "Alright, mercy," said Ashus.
"Already, Ashus?" asked Rudius.
"I'll beat you with the next one," Ashus growled.
"Fine. MERCY, EXEGGUTORE!" The audience cheered as Bulbaesar was carried off the battlefield. "Alright, Ashus, which Glademon shall my champion defeat next?"
Ashus ignored Rudius's trash talk. "I CHOOSE MUKUS!" he barked.
"Ha," said Mistia. "This'll be interesting."
The gate opened, and Mukus oozed into the arena. The audience gasped and coughed as his stench hit their noses. Rudius gagged. "Ugh, where'd you buy that thing? It looks like a reject."
"He was a reject," said Ashus. "But whoever abandoned him was an idiot. This one has consumed entire Racchetus soldiers."
Rudius looked green. Exeggutore shot coconuts at Mukus, and Mukus met them with indifference. While some of them did damage, sending bits of Mukus splashing, most of them were just absorbed into his body. Exeggutore stared down Mukus to no effect.
Then, Mukus attacked. He opened his mouth, and poison spewed out of him at Exeggutore. Exeggutore tried to dodge it, but Mukus extended his limbs to smack Exeggutore. One of Exeggutore's coconuts that Mukus had absorbed rolled out of the blob's appendage. Exeggutore tripped over it and fell. Mukus grabbed onto Exeggutore and started pulling the tree into his body.
"Better give up, Rudius," Ashus warned.
"What? No! Exeggutore! USE A PSYCHIC ATTACK!" Rudius shouted.
"Rudius, do you see a brain in that blob of acid?" Ashus asked.
"He has to have some kind of a brain!" Rudius exclaimed.
"Maybe, but I've not seen a psychic attack work yet," said Ashus.
Exeggutore was in pain. Rudius scoffed. "Damn you, Ashus Ketchumo! MERCY!"
"MERCY, MUKUS!" Ashus shouted.
"Muhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhkuhhhhhhhhhhhhs!" the purple blob uttered as he rolled off Exeggutore.
"Will you put that abomination back in its ball now?" Rudius asked.
"Fine," said Ashus. He held up a gladeball. "MUKUS, RETURN!"
The audience, finally able to breath, cheered. Exeggutor was being carried out of the arena. "Make sure both of my Glademon get on the next ferry to Trovitapolis," Rudius ordered a guard. Rudius stood. "IT IS MY PLEASURE TO BESTOW UPON ASHUS KETCHUMO OF PALLETUS, THE SPIKE SHELL BADGE!"
The audience cheered, then screamed. For a moment, the arena was enveloped in shadow, as if a great creature were flying over head. Ashus shuddered as his eyes discerned large, clawed feet and a thick tail.