Chapter 36
Disclaimer: moi-moi819 does not own Pokémon, or any of their titles therein. This is a nonprofit fan fiction. No copyright infringement was intended.
Moi-Moi: Congratulations to Counting Sinful Stars, Optimus Prime's daughter, MysticRyter, bootskitty328, sheriko, and Oh my Batman is that Spitfire for getting the riddle right! It was Finneon! I HAVE AWESOME NEWS! Secretly, I have been writing a side-story with Gabi's character for my own writing pleasure. With the direction that this story is heading in, that side-story is perfect to add on to this one! So, get ready to be dazzled by my skill as an A-Class Pokémon Trainer/Coordinator/Connoisseur/Writer! :D
To Pessimistic Perfectionist, Nurse Joy all the way. Officer Jenny is a failure as a police officer, in my opinion. She can never do anything without the help of ten-year-old children. Nurse Joy is a boss with Pokémon and some bandages. Question: Who's your favorite Champion (besides Gabi ;)? Cynthia for me. She's just amazing ad her Pokémon are just amazing ad she's just so…AHGGHASHDAH… I can't even formulate a thought anymore…
?- this Pokémon is natural enemies with Zangoose
~:~
I was happily numb.
I moved backstage through the League Coliseum with my trophy in hand and a dazed smile on my face. Infernape was still admiring her red and white, League ribbon that she and all my other Pokémon had won from our battle against Cynthia. Cynthia was walking through the tunnels with us towards where Charles Goodshow and other League officials were waiting.
Once we arrived in the room, it erupted in cheerful applause and congratulations. There were several adults standing around with small smiles on their faces. In the center of the room, Charles Goodshow was grinning widely. "My girl, you've done it! Some of us were starting to believe that Cynthia would never be beaten!" Mr. Goodshow laughed.
"Congratulations on a excellent match, young lady," a man in a suit said to me. I nodded in thanks, too stunned to use my voice.
"It was a sight to behold. The bonds that you formed with your Pokémon were more than evident," a elder woman said with a wrinkled smile.
"Yes. And as per the Pokémon League Rules, for defeating the current Champion in an official League battle, you are now crowned Champion Master of the Sinnoh Region. It's quite an honor," Another man with a proper tone and a monocle spoke.
"As Champion, you are officially made a member of the Pokémon League for the rest of your time as Champion. Being Champion Master is not only a privilege, it is a responsibility," Mr. Goodshow started. I nodded once in complete understanding. "You have a responsibility to uphold proper moral standards and conduct at all times. Not only that, but any behavior that the League deems improper will result in the immediate termination of your title.
"Since you are so young, we will not grant you the full responsibility that comes with the title of Champion Master. But, if you are still Champion once you are old enough, you will then be expected to take on the responsibility of tending to the Sinnoh League along with myself and the other League members. Meaning, it's Gyms, Gym Leaders, Battle Frontier, and so on. Do you understand?"
"Yes. Of course," I replied.
"Good! Now that that's over and done with, we can begin the celebrations! I believe several people owe me money. I should thank you for winning, my girl. You've made me a wealthy man!" Mr. Goodshow laughed out loud. I slumped a bit with a sigh. He actually bet on me? Cynthia just laughed softly at it all. "Alright! Pay up! I take cash only please…"
While Mr. Goodshow began accepting his money, Cynthia pulled me to the side for a private talk. We stopped completely unobserved in the corner of the room. "I must congratulate you personally on a battle well fought, Gabi. I felt great during our battle and I still feel excellent now. Battling against you is something I will never forget. I hope you get as much out of your time as Champion as I did," Cynthia spoke.
"Thank you, Cynthia. Although I've reached the goal that I set for myself, I feel like there's so much more I can do. But, I have no idea where to begin," I said to her.
"That's the joy of youth. You have plenty of time to figure it out. I am more than twice our age and I still haven't figured everything out yet. There's no rush," Cynthia smiled. "Just know that if you need me, I'll always be here to help you."
"Thank you very much. I am extremely grateful for that," I smiled back.
~:~
I rapped my fingers impatiently against the table as I waited for my call to be answered. I understood that Reggie was a busy guy, but still… "Hello?"
"Reggie! Hi! I'm glad you answered," I smiled into the camera on the telephone.
"What's up Gabi? I saw your match on TV. Congrats. You're unstoppable now," Reggie smirked.
"Thanks. That's so nice of you to say," I smiled. "I actually called because I wanted to properly thank you for all you did for Pepper. If it weren't for you helping Pepper learn Sky Attack, who knows if we would have been able to do half as well as we did."
"I should probably confess about that. I didn't help Pepper learn Sky Attack," Reggie said with a shrug.
"What? But, he knew it when I got him back from you. Did he learn it on his own?" I asked him. I wasn't expecting this news at all.
"I wouldn't say that. It was actually Paul and Honchkrow who did all the work. He did it on his own. I was surprised," Reggie smiled.
"Paul helped him? Wow. That's so nice of him," I replied.
"Gabi, can I ask a favor of you? Paul's birthday is coming up soon and I want to do something special for him, but he absolutely refuses to do anything fun," Reggie started.
"I get it. I'll be happy to help. Don't you worry about a thing, Reggie," I promised. Reggie gave me his thanks before ending the call. I folded my arms thoughtfully as I sat back in my chair. What could I do for Paul's birthday?
~:~
"You can't be serious. You let my brother talk you into this?" Paul scoffed. "He's got such a big mouth."
I smiled happily. "Don't be mad with him. It's your fault for not being the one to tell me in the first place. But don't worry. I forgive you," I smirked. "Now, let's go."
"Where do you plan on taking me?" Paul grumbled as I pulled him away from his home. I personally had Gardevoir Teleport me to Veilstone City just so I could take Paul out for his birthday. I had even demanded that he leave all his Pokémon at home like did (except for Gardevoir who was waiting with Reggie).
"Just relax, Paul. You need to learn how to have fun once in a while. You're way too serious."
"For a Champion Master, you're way too childish," Paul smirked.
"I'm still ten. Remember?" I smirked and stuck my tongue out at him. "Let's go get something to eat first. I'm starving."
"Whatever you say, Gabi…"
"Of course. Because I'm always right!"
I considered myself very accomplished by the end of the day. I had gotten Paul to enjoy himself even if he didn't outright show it. I knew he wasn't having a terrible time or else he would have just walked away and left me alone. "Veilstone City is really nice. I didn't get a chance to have the full tour the last time I was here. Thanks for showing it to me, Paul," I smiled.
"It seems wrong that I had to entertain you on my birthday," Paul said casually, but I could tell that he was just teasing. I wasn't sure how, but I could just tell. Maybe I had learned how to speak "Paul"? Whatever it was, I liked it.
"Oh, relax. Just admit to yourself that you're having a good time," I smiled widely. It was getting later in the day and I was sure that Paul was running out of places to show me. However, I didn't want this to end just yet. "I heard from Reggie that there's a festival happening in town today. Can we go see it? Please?"
"Fine. We'll go waste more time," Paul shrugged.
"Yes! Come on!" I exclaimed and grabbed his hand in mine before taking off in a run. "Hurry up, Slowpoke!" I laughed. I could hear Paul grumbling behind me and frowned. Was he not enjoying himself? When I turned to look at him, however, there was a small smile on his face. No need to worry. He's just fine.
"Step right up! Step up and try your luck! Hey there young man, would you like to try your luck?"
I made Paul stop from walking right past the older man's booth. He wore a festival kimono as well as a tie around his head. There were stands of Camerupt cut-outs with white balls lined up in front of them as well as all sorts of stuffed animals lining the ceiling of the booth. My eyes widened in glee when I noticed the Chimchar doll. "That's adorable! How much for the Chimchar doll?" I asked the vendor.
"You'll have to play the game, miss. Hit the bulls-eye on the Camerupt three times to win," he smiled.
"You're on," I smirked. I handed the man my money before taking the small, white balls from the man.
"What's the point of this?" Paul asked me with a strange expression.
"I want the Chimchar doll. That's the point," I told him and tossed my first ball. Unfortunately for me, my aim isn't as good as I would like. If the target was Volkner's head, maybe I could have gotten a hit… "Oh well. Are you sure I can't just Buy the doll?"
"Where's the fun in that?" the man asked me with a wink. I groaned loudly and slumped.
I was about to leave when I heard Paul speak. "I'll try it," he said. I stopped to stare at him with surprised eyes. I had questioned why he was doing this, but e only said, "You want it don't you?" That made me smile. It didn't matter if he lost too. It was the thought that counted.
"And we have a winner! Which prize would you like young man?" the vendor announced.
"The Chimchar," Paul spoke with a cool expression. Once the vendor handed him the doll, he turned and offered it to me. I accepted it happily and gave him a bright smile before pulling Paul into a hug. "I thought you said you wouldn't be so touchy…"
"You're just going to have to get used to it," I replied with a smirk. "Cause I'm not going anywhere…"
~TIME SKIP~
I needed a break.
With a hefty sigh, I flopped down onto my bed and pulled my soft, yellow pillow to me. I didn't have the energy to move towards it. I buried my face in the soft material for a few seconds. This is not what I thought it would be. I had only been the Sinnoh region Champion for a few months. And I had already been on at least ten talk shows, had at least fifteen interviews, and over twenty photo shoots. With a sigh, I rolled over onto my back. I stared up at my bedroom ceiling. After a few seconds, Infernape's questioning face moved into my line of sight. I gave her a weary smile and she frowned in response.
After some time, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. "Gabi, dear. It's Rhonda from "Sinnoh Now". She wants to know if-" my mother starts.
"Tell her no. Tell everybody no," I said and folded my arms. I can feel my mother's questioning gaze and sighed. It made no sense to take my frustrations out on her. I sat up and stared at her. Infernape watched me before flopping onto my bed with a sigh. Thank goodness for fireproof bed sheets. "Mom, I didn't become the Champion for publicity. Quite frankly, I hate it. I haven't had any time to do what I want. It's just been interview after interview, pointless photo shoots, and Pokémon League meetings. I haven't had any time for my Pokémon. And they're the real reason I have all this!"
I know that the League meetings were necessary, but still! I can feel Infernape's eyes on me, but I stare down at my feet instead. Maybe I was complaining too much? Tons of people would be enjoying this if they had it… After some time, I heard my mom speak, "Hello, Rhonda? Yes, she won't be able to make it. Perhaps another time." I stare up at my mother with a shocked expression. She smiles at me before hanging up her call, stepping into my room, and squeezing onto my bed. "I understand, sweetheart. Take this time out to play and have fun with your Pokémon. Just do what you want to do."
"Thanks, Mom. You're the best," I said and hugged her.
"You don't pay me enough to be your manager," my mom smiled. I laughed at her and Infernape let out a loud laugh. "Oh and Mr. Goodshow called. He needs you to call him right away."
After Mom had walked out of the room, I sent Infernape a curious look. "I wonder what Mr. Goodshow wants," I told her. She sent me a casual shrug and continued to spread out on my bed. "But, more importantly. What do I want to do?" I asked myself. It wasn't that hard to figure it out. I wanted to travel. For months now, I had been stuck in Sandgem Town or dealing with League matters. "It would really be good to head out onto the road again. Wouldn't it Infernape?"
Infernape sent me an eager nod and I smiled. It was settled then. I would start travelling again. I had to better get started on making a list of "Places To Visit"…
~:~
Later that night, I was talking to Dawn over the phone. We still kept in touch. Of course I tried to call her daily. She was my best friend besides Infernape and all my other Pokémon. She was in Olivine City and had just won the Olivine Contest. "That's great Dawn. I'm proud of you!" I say with a large grin.
I tried to get in touch with Brock, but he was always so busy. I guess it came with the territory of medical school. But, it was better than getting in touch with Ash. He was never in one place for too long and the only person who was somewhat updated with his activities was Prof. Oak. But even he didn't have a tracking radar on Ash.
"Thanks. That's my fourth one. I just need one more to enter the Grand Festival. I plan on getting it at the Wallace Cup. It's in Johto this time. How lucky am I?" Dawn says. Piplup tapped his chest proudly once.
"Second time's the charm. Listen, I just heard from Mr. Goodshow that I have to head over to the Unova region soon. I have to take part in an exhibition match between me and Caitlyn, a member of the Unova Elite Four. It's sort of a way of presenting me to the Unova region as the new Champion. It's just one, big publicity stunt. Since I'm going there, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?" I asked.
"That sounds awesome! I'm actually doing so well, I could afford to take some time off from my Contests," Dawn said with a smile. I had her hook, line, and sinker.
"Great! You can enter the World Tournament Junior Cup, too. That's where the exhibition match is taking place. I'm heading over to Hoenn in two days, but the Tournament isn't for a while. You can meet me there. Cynthia has a villa in Undella town that she's lending to me," I said.
"That sounds amazing! I can't wait!" Dawn squealed. I saw the stars enter her eyes then. She was losing herself in her Unova fantasy.
"Then, I'll see you soon Dawn. Have a good night," I said.
"You too. Good night Gabi," Dawn said. Piplup waved to me and I waved back. The call ended and I sighed. It felt great knowing that I would see Dawn again. Getting up from my seat, I turned out the lights downstairs before heading to bed.
Once I got upstairs, I noticed Infernape napping on my bed. I had to get a bigger one once I got back home. Infernape was pretty big. Thankfully, she didn't punch or kick as much as she used to in her sleep. Either that, or I've gotten so used to it that I don't even feel them anymore. I slipped under the covers, ready for bed. Her questioning call stopped me from closing my eyes. "Did I wake you? Sorry, Infernape. I just got off the phone with Dawn. She's meeting us in Unova. I can't wait," I said with a giddy laugh.
Infernape spoke to me with a smile, her flaming hair lighting the room like a nightlight. "I can't wait to meet some new Pokémon. I can't wait to get away. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight," I said. Infernape speaks again before patting my head. With a sigh, I closed my eyes. Infernape's hair continued to crackle like a fire place, the sound lulling me to sleep as it's always done.
~:~
Today was the big day. "Lucario, Luxray, and Gardevoir return now," I said and recalled my Pokémon. I was only going to the Hoenn region with four Pokémon. My other Pokémon were in Solaceon Town with my grandparents. But, this was good too. This gave me a chance to catch all new Pokémon.
"You're all set to go?" Mom asked me as she stepped outside to me.
"Yep. I have to meet with Professor Birch first. He has a Pokémon for me," I smiled. I had already requested that Professor Birch get me in contact with the Pokémon Breeder that he used to breed starter Pokémon for beginning Trainers. Professor Birch was holding my newest Pokémon for me in Littleroot Town. "After I get my Pokémon, I'm headed to Petalburg City to visit a friend of mine. Wish me luck!"
"Good luck, dear! And stay out of the cold! And don't forget to eat! I know you forget sometimes!" Mom yelled after me. I sighed loudly. I didn't exactly forget to eat. My stomach just forgets to remind me whenever I'm doing something fun…
It didn't matter. I had a flight that was taking me directly from the sea port in Sandgem Town to Littleroot Town. In just a few, short hours, I would be in the Hoenn region. I couldn't wait! I had a great feeling that I would see and experience all new, amazing things…
Of course, I had to notify Mr. Goodshow and the League that I was leaving the region and for how long. They weren't happy to learn that I was leaving so soon after attaining my title, but it's not like they could take it away from me for travelling out of the region one time. Besides, they were sending me to Unova as a publicity stunt and to do research as well. Going to Hoenn would allow me to bring back new ideas to improve Sinnoh's Pokémon League too. At least, that's what I told them…
"Just think about it, Infernape. Soon, we'll be in the Hoenn region where there's a brand new Pokémon waiting for us. I'm so psyched. It feels so good to be out again," I told Infernape once we were on the sea plane headed to Littleroot Town in the Hoenn region. Infernape nodded once before stretching out. We were going to be doing a lot of travelling so I might as well get used to it. I stretched out as well and shut my eyes peacefully.
Before I knew it, I was being shaken awake by Infernape. The seaplane had come to a stop and touched down in the sea port in Littleroot Town. With a large smile, I sprang up from my seat to race out of the plane. I had rushed out and left Infernape behind, my excitement being too much to take. Infernape followed after me with a surprised expression. "Infernape, look! We're here! C'mon! Get the lead out! We've got to go find Professor Birch," I smiled and pulled Infernape along after me by her hand. I knew that the Professor's laboratory was on the outskirts of town and nearby the forest. I couldn't wait to get there. Luckily, the lab was only a short walk away.
It felt good to be walking again. It made me feel like I was on my journey all over again. I finally understood why Ash could never sit still for too long. It was so boring once you'd already experienced travelling and being on the road. Sitting at home was definitely making me stir crazy. I could tell that my Pokémon were bored with it as well, but hopefully this trip would help lift their moods.
"Look! There's the lab! I'll race you, Infernape," I smiled. Like two, hyperactive children, we ran full speed at the laboratory with loud laughter and wide smiles. It didn't take long for Infernape to pass me completely and make it to the front doors. "That's no far. You could have at least let me win…" I grumbled when I caught up to her. She sent me a cheeky grin and I rolled my eyes before pushing the doors open. "Hello? Professor Birch, are you here?"
"Why hello there. You must be Gabrielle," a large man greeted me. I looked him up and down, noticing his shorts, sandals, and beard stubble. I didn't expect a Pokémon Professor to look so… informal. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Professor Birch."
"Nice to meet you as well, Professor. I came for my Pokémon," I smiled.
"That's great. I've kept it here for you until you arrived," the Professor started. He led me into his lab, past the lobby. "I have to admit that I was surprised that you requested this Pokémon be specially breeded for you."
"What can I say? I really wanted one and I wasn't sure how long it would take to catch one. I don't exactly have a limitless amount of time here in Hoenn," I laughed.
"Of course. Here you go," Prof. Birch smiled and handed me the Pokéball with a smile.
I enlarged it giddily before releasing the Pokémon inside. A happy noise left me and I smiled down at my newest Pokémon. "Hi there, Torchic. My name's Gabi. It's nice to meet you," I spoke.
~:~
Luckily, Petalburg City wasn't too far away from Littleroot Town. In just a few days, I was able to make it there after passing through Oldale Town. Along the way, I made sure to keep up my training regimen with my Pokémon as well as introduce Torchic to the regimen as well. He was able to pick up on it easily enough, especially with Infernape as a mentor.
"Look, Infernape. It's the Petalburg Gym," I smiled. I knew that May was from Petalburg City and that she was currently at home after coming home from her Johto journey. She had been home for quite a while, not exactly sure where to go next.
I stepped into the Petalburg Gym before looking around once in wonder. I had never seen a Normal type Gym before. It looked more like the fighting dojo at the Veilstone Gym. I tried calling out for someone, but no one answered. "I don't think anyone is home, Infernape. Let's go then," I frowned.
"Who's in there?"
I stood up straighter before turning at the sound of a voice. Suddenly, a small boy in a green polo and navy shorts with a pair of large glasses stared up at me. Before I could introduce myself, his eyes went wide and his jaw dropped. "I know you! You're Gabrielle, the new Sinnoh region Champion! I can't believe that you're here! This is amazing!" he exclaimed. I rubbed the back of my neck with a nervous laugh. I still wasn't used to the popularity. "And this must be your Infernape. Man, this is so cool. I saw your match against Cynthia. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen! Even though you knew that Infernape had a major disadvantage, you still put it up against Cynthia's Garchomp," the boy went on and invaded Infernape's personal space. I could tell that she wasn't amused by the boy's amazement with her, but she didn't say anything.
"Yeah. I did…" I shrugged. "I actually can here to see someone. Is-"
"Let me guess," the boy smirked and adjusted his glasses. "You came to see the Gym Leader, didn't you? That would be my dad. He's super powerful and I bet you came to learn a thing or two from him."
"Your dad is the Gym Leader?" I raised a brow. Realization hit me then. "You must be Max! It's nice to meet you," I smiled. I had run into May's younger brother.
"What?! You know who I am?!" he asked in a surprised tone.
"Of course I do. You're-" I started.
"Max? Who are you talking to?" a voice that I could recognize asked.
"May!" I called out happily. May was just as I remembered her. She wore her green bandana, orange top, and bicycle shorts. She smiled brightly when she saw me and waved happily. "It's so good to see you," I went on.
"It's good to see you, too. What are you doing here?" May asked me.
"I'm doing a bit of travelling and I decided to stop here in Hoenn."
May was about to say something else, but Max cut her off with a loud yell. "Wait a minute! How do you know Gabrielle, May? She's the Sinnoh region Champion!"
"You're the Champion now? That's amazing! Congratulations!" May smiled happily. "Max, we met a while back when I went to visit Ash in Sinnoh and compete in the Wallace Cup. Gabi competed in the Wallace Cup as well, but she got knocked out pretty early," May informed her brother. I shrugged sheepishly at the mention of my loss. Infernape was less pleased at the mention of her loss to Zoey's Glameow. "Gabi, let me introduce you to my parents."
May and Max's parents were Norman, the Petalburg Gym Leader, and Caroline. They were very nice people who allowed me as well as my Pokémon to stay for lunch. It was a pleasurable time if I didn't count being stared at by Max in wonder. "So May, what are you going to do next?" I asked her.
"I have no idea. I'm kind of at a loss," May shrugged with a small smile.
"You've competed in the Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn Grand Festivals. You could always take giving Sinnoh a try. If you do, I'd be happy to show you around for a bit," I smiled.
"That sounds good! I'll think about it," May smiled.
"Gabi, I've been thinking. You have to have a battle with Dad before you leave. It would be awesome to watch a Champion battle live and in person," Max pleaded with wide, hopeful eyes.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'd love to have that kind of experience. It's not every day one gets a chance to battle a Champion," Norman said to me.
I looked over at Infernape. She sent me an eager look and grinned widely. I smiled and nodded to her. "Sure. That sounds great, Norman. I'd love to battle you," I smiled.
~:~
"How does a three-on-three battle sound, Gabi?" Norman asked me as we faced off on the Gym's battlefield.
"Sure. I'll start with Infernape," I smiled. Infernape and I waited as Norman brought out his first Pokémon- a Vigoroth. I had never seen one before. This would be so much fun! "Infernape, use Thunder Punch!"
"Dodge it, Vigoroth!" Norman tried. Vigoroth made the attempt to jump and dodge Infernape's attack, but she was much faster than they gave her credit for. She was able to surprise Vigoroth with her speed and land a punch to its face. "That's fast…" I heard Norman say.
"You bet. Flamethrower!" I called out. Infernape released her flames from her mouth directly at the Vigoroth-sized crater in the field. When she finished, Vigoroth was laying unconscious on the field. In a way, I missed facing off against strong and challenging competitors. Flint tried to give me a good battle for fun from time to time, but it wasn't the same as it was back when I was first challenging the League.
We quickly made work of Norman's Pokémon and I thanked Infernape for her work. Norman recalled his Pokémon and I was suddenly hit with questions from Hurricane Max. I looked to May for help, but she, her mother, and father just smiled at me with amused looks. So much for that…
~:~
Moi-Moi: Sighhhhhh… I'm so happy!
Next Time: Adventures in Unova!
Edited: 12/2/13