Welcome back to another chapter of Holly Rising! It's been a while, mainly because the RP itself had to update.
However, I have been busy in the meantime. There are two new companion stories, Homecoming and Daughter. Homecoming is a one-shot, with Daughter being a short multi-chapter story. Anyone who is currently enjoying the Traveler series should check this both out.
Supplementary materials for the Traveler series have begun to appear. They shed a bit more light on the lore, and are particularly useful for an upcoming chapter. Anyone interested should look at the Deviantart account "wordwheels" for more information.
Since this is a new area, there is a prompt. However, it contains spoilers for the chapter, so it will be included after it. As usual, I do not own Pokémon, and see the author's notes for details. All prompts are the property of Wizardmonfan, and are being summarized with permission.
50: New Heights
Once the group had cleared Route 11, Holly found herself abruptly turning around.
She blinked confusedly.
Why were they retracing their steps? Wasn't the purpose of her being free was so that they could keep moving forward?
Holly cleared her throat, alerting Kris and Anabel.
"What is it, Holly?" Anabel asked.
Kris said nothing, her expression holding something unreadable.
Holly guessed the disabled Trainer already knew what she was going to ask. Holly decided to state her question anyway.
"Why are we going backwards and returning to Lavender? There's not much there…"
Anabel rapidly responded. "We have to return to Lavender in order to get to the place with the next Badge. Celadon is to the west of Lavender, so that's where we need to go next."
She shook her head.
"We're not going backwards; this is the only way forward."
Holly gulped, and hoped the others would not see her shivering.
She didn't want to face her mother! What would she think of her?
And how would the others react when they discovered that she had run away from home?
Holly somehow found her lips moving, but also found it difficult to register what she was saying.
"Could we go south instead?"
Confusion was once again present in Anabel's eyes.
But before the woman could reply, Kris stepped up.
The disabled Trainer's eyes had a knowing gaze as she responded.
"You're not ready to face your mother, are you?"
Holly shook her head miserably.
She wondered if she was ever going to be ready.
But Holly suddenly resisted the urge to clench her fist.
She had done nothing wrong! It was all her mother's fault that she had to run away! What was her mother thinking, not letting her participate in that study when she was clearly old enough to train on her own?
But still…
Even if Holly believed she was in the right, the encounter with her mother was going to lead to a huge confrontation…
And Holly knew she wasn't ready for that.
After all, she still had to find a way to free Kris from those horrible psychics, and her mother probably wouldn't let her do that!
Holly focused on the present as Kris began speaking again.
"Fuchsia is one of the later Gyms. The path there is longer and can be treacherous. Overall, the journey and battles will be more difficult."
Holly's face fall. Would her request be denied?
Yet Kris spoke up again.
"Although Fuchsia is a harder path to take, it is not unreasonable to go there now. Some Trainers choose to travel there before Celadon. So if you feel you can handle the difficulty, there's no reason not to go."
Holly nodded.
Of course she could take on a harder path and some more difficult trainers! It would only make her stronger! And she had to get strong for the Pokémon League, and to complete the study!
Besides, her mother could wait. She was always patient.
Holly turned to Anabel, noticing the woman was eyeing her curiously.
Would Anabel refuse the request? Was she still wondering why Holly had wanted to go in the first place?
Yet Anabel simply nodded.
"Fair enough. If you're ready, Holly, we can head out."
Holly resisted the urge to punch the air with glee.
Annabel was finally listening to what she wanted! The journey really was hers again!
Holly had a spring in her step as she walked towards the next area.
However, she quickly stopped dead.
Something coming from one of her Poké Balls.
Holly's eyes went wide as she picked up the object.
She realized the Ball was Mawile's and studied it closely. Holly had held the the capsule many times, but today something felt… different.
Like she was holding another Pokémon. One she knew nothing about.
But why would she be doing that?
Mawile hadn't changed, she was not going to stop the others just let it out for nothing…
Holly shuddered.
She couldn't really tell what the difference was, but she wasn't sure she wanted to know.
After all, what if it was something bad?
And why would a Poké Ball radiate light if the Pokémon wasn't being called out?
As far as Holly knew, the only other time Pokémon were filled with light was during evolution, and they couldn't evolve inside their Poké Balls.
So what was happening?
Holly was snapped out of her thoughts as Kris walked up.
The disabled Trainer had a huge smile on her face, and Holly could hear Kris's voice in her head as telepathy began.
"Don't worry. This isn't anything bad. Just try using Mawile in your next battle."
Kris let out a laugh.
"It's something you've known about beforehand."
Holly blinked.
What could Kris be talking about?
Holly didn't know about anything like this…
Suddenly, Holly heard Anabel's voice.
"Hey, are you two coming or not?"
Kris's voice came again, although strangely, she seemed to lack any sense of urgency.
"Oh, we'd better not keep Anabel waiting."
"Right." Holly rapidly responded, and Kris's voice disappeared from her head.
With that, she and Kris walked to where Anabel was waiting. The woman only gave a nod before the group continued.
Holly knew that the next area on the way to Fuchsia was called Silence Bridge, but she had no idea why was called that.
After all, there seemed to be people everywhere, including ones that wanted to battle.
And it wasn't long before Holly was stopped by a sharp voice.
"Hey, you guys are Pokémon Trainers! I challenge one of you!"
Holly realized that the person had come up from behind her, but she didn't have to turn around.
Instead, the person walked in front of the group, eyes filled with fire as he stopped in the center.
The other Trainer was a male, and he appeared to be around Holly's age. The Trainer had piercing green eyes and black hair. A red cape flew proudly in the wind, and purple clothing contrasted against the otherwise dull scenery. Holly noticed that some of the clothing was gold, mainly his gloves and boots.
Holly had a feeling she knew what type of Trainer this was, but she couldn't put her finger on it…
Yet she couldn't think more about that as she felt Kris's hand on her shoulder. Holly didn't need to glance at the disabled Trainer to know she wanted her to battle.
After her behavior before, Kris had hinted something would happen if Holly went into battle.
And now Holly felt a mixture of eagerness and dread as she wondered what the disabled Trainer had meant.
Holly swallowed hard.
May as well find out.
Holly stepped up.
"I will battle!"
Kris nodded approvingly.
"May as well let Holly fight. She needs the practice."
Anabel also nodded, although Holly didn't think she could sense approval.
Instead, Holly heard Anabel whisper.
"That's a Dragon Tamer. They can be very strong. Be careful, Holly."
Kris simply stated a nonchalant tone.
"She'll be fine."
Holly blinked, wondering what the disabled Trainer knew. She had talked about the light from before like it would help Holly in battle.
So maybe that's what she was referring to.
Regardless, a Trainer as skilled as Kris said she would be fine. Holly believed it.
Holly nodded, fixing her opponent with a sharp gaze.
The Dragon Tamer did not flinch.
"You sure seem confident. Do you think you can beat my friends over there?"
Holly glanced further down the bridge, and could see there were more people waiting. They all looked to be dressed the same, so Holly guessed they were Dragon Tamers too.
Holly responded confidently, a smile forming on her face. If that light gave her new power, she could beat anyone!
"Of course I can!"
Her opponent wasted no time, grabbing a Poké Ball.
"The let us begin! Go, Altaria!"
He tossed the capsule into the air, and everything was briefly covered in a bright white light.
When it cleared, a dragon stood before them.
Except Holly didn't think it looked much like a dragon.
Instead, it looked like a bird.
The bird's neck was blue, with white cheeks and a white beak. It had something on its head that looked like blue ribbons, along with blue feet and a blue tail. Holly couldn't see the rest of the bird however, because its body was covered up by a fluffy white cloud. The Pokémon's black eyes glanced observantly over the battlefield, and it waited patiently for its Trainer's next command.
Holly resisted the urge to snicker.
This wasn't a dragon! This was a weakling!
Well, dragon or not, she knew exactly what Pokémon to choose.
Holly tossed her own Poké Ball into the air.
"Go, Mawile!"
Holly's familiar Pokémon appeared in the flash of white light. However, as it snarled at the opponent, Holly's eyes went wide.
Mawile was wearing a silver necklace…
And in the necklace was a shimmering stone…
Holly cocked her head in confusion.
How had Mawile gotten this? She hadn't given it anything before…
Holly glanced at Kris, silently asking the disabled Trainer for an explanation.
She was instead aware of Anabel's blazing fury, as her eyes bore into Kris.
Holly blinked.
Why was Anabel angry? Didn't she want Holly to get stronger?
Holly shook her head.
Anabel was always angry. It wasn't worth trying to figure things out.
Holly focused on Kris again, noticing the older Trainer had a giant grin on her face. She did not seem to be paying attention to Anabel, instead focusing on Holly.
However, the disabled Trainer did not speak, pointing to her left wrist.
Holly glanced down at the silver bracelet shining on her own.
She felt a smile creep onto her face, and nodded.
Rapidly, Holly pressed a button on the bracelet, holding it up.
Her voice rang through the air as light began to surround Mawile.
"Mawile, Mega Evolve!"
A massive amount of white light enveloped the entire battlefield, and Holly quickly found herself blinded. She looked away, but did not cringe.
Instead, she continued wearing a smile.
This was a power available only to a chosen few.
A power only the strongest could wield.
Something unlike anything else Trainers had at their disposal.
And now it was hers.
After what seemed like forever, the bright light dissipated. Holly glanced back to the battlefield, and Mawile was still there.
However, her Pokémon had changed.
Instead of its giant jaw, Mawile now had two of the same. White teeth gleamed ferociously as the sun shone off of the black appendages. A yellow circle was in the center, and Holly could see it as Mawile swung its head around. Its red eyes were now purple, glaring fiercely at its opponent. Mawile's yellow body had become a deep pink, almost matching the color of its eyes.
Holly beamed.
This was the time to prove her chance! This was what Mr. Fuji had talked about!
This was called Mega Evolution.
Kris's voice pierced through her head as she stated. "Like it? I gave it to your Pokémon last night. I figured that you could use more strength, and Mega Evolution doesn't do much without a stone for the Pokémon to hold."
Holly nodded. "Yes, I love it! Thank you so much!"
Holly could hear joyfulness in Kris's voice as she responded. "I knew you would."
Kris's voice took on a newfound sharpness, and Holly listened intently.
"Don't get overconfident. Whether it looks like one or not, a dragon stands before you. And they are some of the world's toughest Pokémon. But you have a secret weapon. Mawile knows a move that is effective against them, and you can use it to win the battle."
Holly nodded.
"Okay, what do I need to do?"
"Tell Mawile to use Play Rough. Repeat that against all the Dragon tamers and you should easily be victorious."
"All right." Holly replied, and Kris's voice left her head.
She faced her opponent. The Dragon Tamer's eyes were wide and his jaw open. His Pokémon was similarly stunned, staggering back fearfully.
Holly wasn't about to give them time to recover.
She yelled. "Mawile, Play Rough!"
Mawile let out a deafening scream. Before even its opponent could even move, it dashed towards the other Pokémon. Mawile's twin jaws opened wide, and suddenly, the battlefield went up in a cloud of smoke. Holly couldn't see what was happening, but she thought she could see stars. Holly wondered why a cloud of smoke would have stars, but she couldn't focus too much on it.
Instead, Holly could hear the opponent's screams of pain. She winced as she could feel the same pain all over her body, and imagined a thousand tiny scratches and bites.
Holly wasn't sure what Mawile was actually doing to Altaria, but it couldn't be anything good.
And if things were this bad, maybe Holly was better off not knowing.
Regardless, the smoke cleared, and Mawile stood triumphantly over its opponent's fallen form.
The Dragon Tamer recalled his Pokémon, stammering.
"How… How could you…"
Holly smugly responded. "Pretty good, huh? Send the next Pokémon in."
The Dragon Tamer looked at his hands. "I don't have any…"
Holly snorted. What kind of Trainer went around with only one Pokémon that could be defeated so easily? She was beginning to wonder if the power of dragons was a myth people used to frighten others.
Regardless, another Dragon Tamer stepped up.
He looked similar to his comrade, his eyes blazing with fury.
"You defeated my companion, and now you must face me!"
Holly smirked. "Bring it on!"
Mawile let out a roar, and Holly realized it was still in its Mega evolved form. She had heard Pokémon stayed like that for one full battle before transforming back, but perhaps the battles were coming two quickly now for Mawile to revert.
Holly couldn't ponder it any more, as her opponent threw his Poké Ball.
"Go, Deino!"
In a flash of white light, another Pokémon appeared. There was no doubt this one was a dragon, and had a darker blue body. As the Pokémon growled menacingly, Holly could see its black spiky body. She thought she could also see many scars. Holly wondered how the Pokémon sustained injuries that their Trainer couldn't heal.
Despite that, Holly still smirked.
She would just have to beat this dragon too!
Holly pointed at her opponent. "Mawile, Play Rough!"
Again, Mawile tore after its opponent before it could even move. For a second time, the cloud of smoke and stars filled the battlefield. Again, Holly heard the opposing Pokémon's screams and envisioned the scratches and bites.
In a few minutes, the smoke cleared, and Mawile proudly stood over its opponent.
The other Pokémon did not move, and its Trainer rapidly recalled it.
Holly smirked again. "Any more challengers?"
The opposing Trainer simply slammed his hand against his fist, and moved out of the way.
Holly was alerted to another white light, and quickly realized Mawile had changed back.
She supposed there were no other challengers. Or at least, none coming right away.
But before Holly could do anything else, she heard Anabel running up to her. The woman had Kris by the arm, and her eyes burned with unspeakable rage.
Holly glared straight back.
If all Anabel was going to do was get in her way and be angry, then maybe it was time to teach her a lesson, just like those Dragon Tamers! Someone needed to tell her that she couldn't control everything all the time!
But before anyone could speak, Holly saw a shadow in the distance.
She blinked.
What else could be out there?
Author's notes
-So before the prompt, a little bit of an explanation. Typically, the games have the player going through Celadon City before Fuchsia. However, the RP has Fuchsia being done before Celadon. This is actually a mistake. Celadon was meant to be done before Fuchsia, but the prompts for Fuchsia were accidentally posted first.
-However, I decided to respond to the normally, and work the change into the story. The reason was it actually worked out better for plot speed reasons, and it is entirely possible for the player to go through and complete the events in Fuchsia before Celadon.
-For the curious, there are three possible routes player can take after arriving at Lavender Town. One is to do what the game expects and go to Celadon. Another is to have a drink in the player's inventory, use the item to completely skip Celadon, and head into Saffron instead. This could be done at any time, because the game doesn't check to see where the drink was obtained. Normally, drinks only are found at Celadon, but it's possible to have one before then if the player uses Pokémon Stadium 2 to transfer items between a pair of Kanto games. The final path is to first complete the events in Lavender Town, then head south to Fuchsia. And since the original Kanto games weren't very good at telling the player where they needed to go, it was not uncommon to visit cities completely out of order.
-The remakes were bit better at letting the player know where they needed to go, and making sure things were done in the correct order. In these games, players had to at least visit Celadon and obtain an item before they could proceed to Saffron. This item was needed regardless of whether the player had a drink in their inventory or not. Also, in the original games, it was possible to complete the events in Lavender Town immediately by exploiting a glitch. Normally, players had to complete some events in Celadon before they could complete the events in Lavender. The glitch allowed players to bypass the events in Celadon so that they could complete the ones in Lavender first. The remakes fixed that glitch, so players had to at least start the events and Celadon if they wanted to complete those in Lavender.
With that out of the way, here is the prompt. It's actually split into two parts, because the second part will be covered next chapter:
Route 12 is also known as the Silence Bridge. There are six Dragon Tamers here, and they're itching for a battle. Continuing along the Bridge eventually leads to Fuchsia.
Now for the rest of the author's notes…
-While it is not shown in this chapter, Holly has undergone an appearance change. Originally, she was completely identical to the unused female character in the Kanto games. This character was eventually made into the female character in the remakes, Leaf. Leaf looks similar to her unused counterpart, which originally was not a problem. This was because Leaf was originally planned not to feature in the series.
However, my plans changed, and I decided I wanted Leaf to play a major role in some of the books. That's when the similar appearances became an issue, because I knew already that Holly was also going to play a major role in many of the books. So, I decided to switch Holly's appearance around to make things less confusing.
-Holly's updated appearance has her with long blond hair and green eyes. She wears red, yellow, and orange (sometimes all at once). Holly enjoys wearing these colors because they are the colors of fire.
-So Holly finally uses Mega Evolution! Interestingly, in the original draft of the story with Celadon being first, Mega Evolution was supposed to come much later, and probably not by Holly's hand. More details about this change will be explained when Celadon actually is visited. Also, the way Mega Evolution works in this story is exactly the same way it works in the games. The one exception is that Pokémon will transform back to their original forms regardless of how quickly a battle ends and starts. I only added the bit for this story because I didn't want to describe Mawile transforming and reverting several times when the battles were short. It's also worth noting that a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve do not have a glowing Poké Ball. I added that here for some foreshadowing.
-Mawile knowing Play Rough, but Holly not realizing it comes from the games. In the games, Play Rough is usually the last move Mawile can learn. However, it is possible for it to learn the move earlier if it is forced to learn via a Move Reminder. Since implementing a Move Reminder into the story is difficult, I simply had it know the move immediately. This is also similar to the cases of other Pokémon with Move Reminder only moves (such as Raichu and Nidoqueen from previous chapters). Play Rough's appearance is based off of the games and the anime.
-Dragon Tamers can be found in several games, but their appearance is based off of their looks and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. This was the appearance that was posted to the RP (in the form of a link), so that's what I went with. Dragon Tamers and their Pokémon being strong comes from the games, because they're often fought late into the game, and usually have higher-level Pokémon than what is typically seen.
