Hello once more, awesome readers! I'm sorry this was updated so late in the day. Some unexpected events came up today, and I wasn't able to sit down and publish this chapter like I wanted to. I apologize, and will continue to work on this issue in the future.
And just to be official, can you believe we're already on Chapter 50?! It's kinda shocking, to be honest. But sadly, we're not even halfway done with the story. No, I'd say we have about 92 more chapters to get through before we can put a 'completed' stamp on it.
I apologize if this chapter's a little messy. I feel like it started out good, but then kinda went downhill halfway through it. The frequent changes between Alice's POV and Pikachu's POV didn't help, either.
But anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, nonetheless. Oh, and don't forget to check my bio for the latest updates!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon, like I've said a thousand times before. However, I do own Alice, but nothing more.
Chapter 50
Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym!
Let's see... Oshawott can't battle because he's a Water-type, which cancels him out. I draw a thick black line through Oshawott's name in my notebook. Tepig, I've used him a lot, and he needs a break. I scratch out Tepig's name, as well. Roggenrola would be good, since he's a Rock-type. Scraggy's too experienced, though, and Cubchoo's not exactly fit to battle yet. I draw identical lines through their names, too. Snivy's Grass-type moves wouldn't be that effective, but she knows Attract, so that could come in handy. I draw a small heart next to Snivy's name. Tranquill's a Flying-type, so she can't battle. Zebstrika knows Flame Charge, though, so Snivy and Swadloon can't battle. I cross out their names, as well. And Elesa's other Pokémon might know Fire-type moves, too. So that leaves me with Pikachu, Roggenrola, and Palpitoad. Who should I go with?
"She's been like that for quite a while."
Iris's voice breaks me out of my thoughts, but only for a second. I readjust my position on the bed slightly, snuggling into the pillows propped up against the headboard before turning my attention back to the notebook in my lap.
"It's not Alice's normal pre-battle recipe," Cilan comments, "but still, a well-thought-out strategy can help."
"Just as long as she doesn't get a headache," Iris sighs.
My attention focus back onto the paper in front of me, ink from the pen in my hand scrawled all across the white surface. My hand is starting to rub onto the ink, leaving little black smudges on the skin.
"Pikachu!"
Pikachu's cute voice seems to make me jolt in realization. "Since Elesa's Zebstrika uses Electric-type moves, an Electric-type like you won't be affected."
"Pika pika!"
"But it won't be affected by your Electric-type moves."
"Pika," Pikachu grumbles, crossing his arms.
I look up from the page to my little yellow buddy. "Pikachu, I'm gonna try using my other Pokémon tomorrow."
"Pi?"
"I've become so dependent on you, Oshawott, Tepig, and Swadloon. I think it's time I tried some others."
His black eyes seem to widen in disbelief, as if he's saying, No! I'm your one and only, right? You have to use me! "Pikachu!"
I shake my head; my mind's made up. I scan my eyes through the paper before circling one certain Pokémon's name. "That's the one!" Clutching the notebook tightly, I jump off the bed and run to the door. "I'll be right back, guys!"
On the screen of the computer in front of me, the sweet, kind face of Professor Juniper appears. She greets me with a soft smile.
"Hi! It's great to see you, Alice. I see you're at the Nimbasa Gym."
I nod, my heart rate rapidly increasing. "I've challenged Elesa to get my fourth Gym badge."
"That's the spirit," she chuckles. "How can I help you?"
"Elesa has an incredibly powerful Electric-type," I explain to her, my cheeks flushing with admiration at the thought of the young Gym Leader, "so I'd like to switch out some of my Pokémon."
She nods and winks at me. "It's as good as done. Which ones would you like to switch?"
A new adventure, another day
Images of Alice and Pikachu cheering, Iris and Axew looking out into the distance from the top of a tree in the forest, and Cilan refereeing the start of a battle flash by.
One more challenge that comes our way
Tepig jumps through a blue background, yelling out energetically, while Oshawott jumps up and down, his scalchop in hand as he cheers at the battle he's just won, and Servine lands in front of Alice, smirking and crossing her arms.
It's up to me and you
Perched on his Trainer's shoulder, Pikachu's little yellow fist clenched up and he punches the air, cheering loudly.
We know what we've got to do
Boldore braces himself for battle, a newly-evolved Crustle lets out a battle cry, Krokorok's sharp teeth glow with a white color, Unfezant spreads her wings and cries out, Cubchoo releases an Icy Wind attack, and Pikachu releases a Thunderbolt attack.
We are together now, friends forever now
As Alice calls out a battle move, Iris ducks and nearly misses a barrage of Air Slash attacks from Tornadus.
Whatever comes our way, we won't run away
Oshawott spins around in the air, clutching his scalchop tightly as he prepares to attack. Skyla throws a Poké Ball. Trip stares at the battle between Alice and Alder with intrigued silvery eyes. Fired up with determination to help Deino, Iris cheers. Axew releases a powerful stream of dark blue energy in the form of a Dragon Rage attack.
Standing tall
One for all
The sight of Team Rocket brings meek drops of sweat to Alice's forehead, but she brushes them off when she realizes her two—or three—best friends are by her side.
It's our destiny
Landorus, Tornadus, and Thundurus swoop down, and Alice yells out a move. Shots and images of Trip, Burgundy, Georgia, Elesa, and Clay overlap each other rapidly.
Pokémon!
My friends and I now stand outside the Nimbasa City Gym, Pikachu perched on my shoulder. Clipped onto my belt is my fool-proof strategy—my "secret weapon," if you will.
"Ready, Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
And, of course, getting into the Gym's main battlefield means riding that wretched roller coaster again. My screams drown out the rest of the noise, and I tighten my grip on both Pikachu and the metal bar in my lap. I hate sitting in the front!
Once the car screeches to a stop, I'm more than happy to untangle myself from the metal bar and get out. I climb out of the car and hold Pikachu tighter.
"Would you two mind watching Pikachu for me?" I ask my friends.
Cilan raises his eyebrow, his emerald eyes glimmering in confusion. "Are you sure, Alice?"
I nod. "Pikachu won't battle this time. We've already talked it through." Pikachu huffs, his cheeks puffing into a pout.
"I see," Iris says. She kneels down slightly. "Come here, Pikachu."
As much as I feel reluctant to let go of my baby, I know both Iris and Cilan will keep him safe. I kneel down and place him on the ground. He grips my arm, like he doesn't want to leave me.
That's strange. He's never done anything like this before.
"We'll cheer for Alice as a group," Cilan tells him, smiling.
Pikachu looks back to him, then Iris, and then to me. "Pika..." His eyes meet the ground and he slowly walks over to them, his tail drooping.
I stand up, taking a few deep breaths, and turn to the doors behind me. This is it, I realize, my hands shaking beside me. My fourth Gym badge is riding on this battle.
I step forward, and the doors slide open almost elegantly, reminding me of the Gym Leader here. I walk into the battlefield, standing on the edge.
"Alice, I've been waiting for you."
As Elesa's voice fills the silent air, three bright lights shine down from above, illuminating her beautiful figure. She's dressed in the same outfit she wore yesterday—her Gym Leader outfit.
From up above, the fans leaning over the railings scream and cheer for her. She waves to them, smiling widely. "Hi, everyone! Thank you all for coming! Now, prepare to watch me glow!"
As the fans seem to cheer twice as loud, I take another step forward. "Thank you for accepting my challenge, Elesa."
"You're welcome, Alice," she chuckles warmly. "I like the glow on your face, too. Prepare for a battle that glistens! I'll be shining as bright as the sun! I plan on dazzling you, as well, Alice," she adds, winking.
The short-auburn-haired referee from yesterday makes her way to the side of the field. Her arms raised up, she begins the usual statement: "The Nimbasa Gym battle challenge is about to begin! Challenger Alice versus Gym Leader Elesa. This will be a three-on-three match, and the battle will be over when all three Pokémon on either side are unable to continue. Also, only the challenger may substitute Pokémon."
"I wonder what kind of strategy Alice settled on?" Iris asks aloud from the side.
Cilan nods in agreement. "Right. An Evaluating Time to remember."
Beside them, Pikachu and Axew cheer loudly. Pikachu seems to have forgotten I'm not using him for the battle, which I'm relieved to realize.
"Begin the battle...now!"
Elesa immediately jumps into the mix of seriousness and joy a Gym Leader should have. "Feel the spark, and feel the tingle! Watch me mix and mingle!" At this, the fans up above go absolutely crazy. "Zebstrika, the bright light's on you!"
The Poké Ball she throws in the air pops open, and a surge of blue and white light shoots out. Her pretty but powerful Zebstrika appears, pawing at the ground with its hooves.
"I thought that's who she'd use," Cilan whispers.
Iris frowns, a look of doubt washing over her face. "She beat all of Bianca's Pokémon yesterday using just Zebstrika."
He nods. "Such a powerful Electric-type."
The sight of the Electric-type doesn't bother me, though, because I've got a Pokémon that'll defeat it in a heartbeat. I reach down and unclip the chosen Poké Ball from my belt and throw it.
"Palpitoad, I choose you!"
My trusty Palpitoad appears in a similar jet of blue light, and his tongue lolls out as he makes a gurgling noise in his throat. His eyes connect with mine for a brief second, and he nods, like he understands what I want from him.
Elesa's face falls ever so slightly, but her eyes never lose that determined sparkle. "...Not so dazzling, but she's using her head."
"Palpitoad's a Ground-type," Iris realizes, "so Electric-type moves won't have any effect."
"Now that's an exceptionally tasty strategy," Cilan says, smiling.
"Palpitoad, use Mud Shot!"
Palpitoad jumps up, and with his tongue extended out, he spits large shots of mud out at Zebstrika.
"Zebstrika, dodge!" Elegantly, just like its Trainer, the Electric-type jumps up, dodging the attack. "Now, Flame Charge!"
Zebstrika stomps its hooves into the ground, creating a thick cloud of dust. It soon bursts out, fire coating it, and slams into Palpitoad. Although he cries out in shock and hits the ground near me, he springs back up, smiling.
Iris smiles at this. "Palpitoad's also a Water-type, so Fire-type moves aren't very effective."
"Flame Charge one more time!"
And once again, a flaming Zebstrika crashes into Palpitoad. But just like before, Palpitoad recovers quickly and stands up.
"But why did Elesa use Flame Charge twice?" Iris asks, frowning. "She knows Fire-type moves aren't very effective."
"She knows, which means she's after something completely different," Cilan comments, his eyes glinting in the light.
No matter, I don't care what kind of strategy she comes out with. Fire-type moves won't do any good, and neither will Electric-type moves. Zebstrika and Elesa are out of luck!
"Now it's our turn. Palpitoad, use Hydro Pump!"
Palpitoad shoots out a powerful blast of water—a blast even more powerful than Oshawott's Water Gun and Cubchoo's Brine combined—at Zebstrika. But at the last moment, the Electric-type jumps to the side, the attack barely missing it.
"Of course!" Iris gasps. "I forgot Zebstrika's speed increases every time it uses Flame Charge!"
...Oh crap...
"Use Double Kick!"
"Dodge it, Palpitoad!"
Luckily, my Water and Ground-type is able to narrowly dodge Zebstrika's hooves as they lash out violently.
"Double Kick once more!"
"Dodge it!"
But Palpitoad, who's getting tired, jumps up, and Zebstrika uses this to its advantage. Its back hooves connect fiercely with Palpitoad's body, sending him back into the ground in front of me.
"Palpitoad, no!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu screams from the side. From the corner of my eye, I can see sparks of electric energy erupting from his little red cheeks.
Palpitoad stands up, but can't stay steady. He sways from side to side, his eyes rolled over and his jaw slacked.
Elesa seems to hold back a chuckle. "It appears I've dazzled Palpitoad. I know Palpitoad is a tough and resilient Pokémon, but how tough in that state?"
She's taunting you. She's trying to catch you off track! Don't let her get the best of you, Alice! Ignore her!
"Now, for the final act, use Quick Attack!"
Zebstrika charges at Palpitoad at incredible speed, specks of air trailing behind it, and slams into my Pokémon. Palpitoad cries out, his back hitting the ground hard.
Fear grips my heart like an icy hand. "Palpitoad, please get up!"
He can't be down already! I need him!
Palpitoad struggles to stand, and finally does, much to my relief.
"Nice job, Palpitoad!" I give him an encouraging nod. "Supersonic!"
Opening his mouth, he releases a loud throaty call, rings forming in the air and charging for Zebstrika. The rings hit the Electric-type, freezing it in place.
Elesa gasp in shock. "Zebstrika, no!" The fans up above gasp, as well, but my friends and Pokémon on the side cheer for me.
"Supersonic's a hit!"
"A brilliant comeback!"
"Pika, pikachu!"
Their cries of excitement and encouragement give me that extra boost of confidence and adrenaline I need to call out, "Palpitoad, use Mud Shot!"
While Zebstrika staggers about, eyes wild and glazed with confusion, my Water and Ground-type swings his long tongue around, spitting out shots of dark mud. They hit Zebstrika directly in the face, and it cries out in pain.
"Hydro Pump!"
Inhaling deeply, Palpitoad shoots out a powerful blast of chilly water. The blast hits Zebstrika, sending it back into the wall behind Elesa with a loud crash. Once the steam and smoke clear from the scene, a muddy defeated Zebstrika is seen, black swirls on its eyes.
"Zebstrika's unable to battle," the referee announces, "and Palpitoad wins!"
A heavy sigh of relief escapes my lips, and I smile at my Pokémon. "Great job, Palpitoad!" He gives me a smile, but then exhales, his eyes shutting.
He's tired, isn't he? But we can't give up now—only two more Pokémon to go, and that fourth badge is ours!
Elesa looks at Zebstrika, her face slightly fallen as she holds up its Poké Ball. "Zebstrika, you went down with grace. You're beautiful, even when covered in mud." She returns the Pokémon back to its Poké Ball in a jet of red light.
The fans cry out and sob up above, and some even shoot be dirty looks that express their disgust. My cheeks grow warm under their intense stares, but I force myself to tear my eyes away from them. I don't need anything to break my confidence, especially now that I'm one up against Elesa.
"Palpitoad did it," Iris sighs in relief, "when Zebstrika overpowered Bianca's Pokémon!"
"And Elesa couldn't use the Electric-type move Wild Charge because Alice was using Palpitoad," Cilan adds in, a smile stretched out on his face.
Pikachu and Axew cheer from beside them, and I give them a thumbs-up, shutting my left eye in a wink. "Palpitoad and I got this, right?" Palpitoad nods, but behind his energetic expression, I can see the hollowness of exhaustion in his eyes.
"...Does Alice mean to use Palpitoad again?" Iris questions quietly. She keeps her voice low, as if that'll keep me from hearing her.
Cilan frowns slightly, his eyes sparkling. "I fear Palpitoad is gradually accumulating damage. Frankly, I'm worried."
He's right. Palpitoad isn't exactly fit for another battle.
He'll have to be, as mean as it may sound. I plan on winning my badge with Palpitoad by my side, so he'll just have to hang in there.
Elesa throws another Poké Ball, smirking. "Alright, Emolga, the bright light's on you!"
A surge of blue light shoots out, and a cute little Emolga appears above the battlefield, soaring over the ground. It glides around gracefully, chanting its name.
"Emolga's an Electric and Flying-type," Iris comments from the side.
I look down at my semi-tired Palpitoad. "We'll use our same strategy like last time, okay, Palpitoad?" He makes a throaty noise in response. "Use Supersonic!"
"Use Acrobatics!"
Emolga's too speedy for Palpitoad, and zooms right over and around him, catching him off guard. It suddenly collides into him, causing him to cry out. He's sent back into the ground near me, his eyes shut but not replaced by black swirls.
"Palpitoad, get up!" My Water and Ground-type struggles to get up, and finally does, staggering slightly. "Use Supersonic!"
Elesa merely smirks, winking. "Attract!"
"What?!"
I can only watch in disbelief and shock as Emolga winks flirtatiously at Palpitoad, sending hearts in his direction. The pink shapes surround him before melting into him, replacing his eyes with large light red hearts.
"Snap out of it, Palpitoad!"
But he only sways from side to side, lovestruck. He doesn't seem to hear me or acknowledge me in any way.
Elesa seems to hide another smile. "I told you I'd dazzle you two, didn't I?"
My hands clench up into fists, but I relax my tense muscles and say, "You might've paved your way around Palpitoad, but Electric-type moves still don't have any effect!"
The blonde Gym Leader just shakes her finger at me in response. "Don't you see? Emolga can use other types of moves. Emolga, Aerial Ace!"
Her small gray and white wings glowing, Emolga soars through the air and slams into Palpitoad twice. Cries of pain emerge from Palpitoad, and he hits the ground, black swirls plastered onto his eyes.
"Palpitoad is unable to battle. Emolga's the winner!"
The fans up above cheer as I stare at my fallen Pokémon in utter disbelief. "But you were my go-to Pokémon! I was gonna use you for all three battles..." Sighing heavily, I lift up his Poké Ball and return him in a jet of red light.
I can practically feel the confused and shocked gaze of Iris burning into my back. "...Alice's strategy was just Palpitoad...?!"
"Well, if I had to guess, yes," Cilan chuckles nervously.
Pikachu's POV
My paw slams into my face. "Are you kidding me?!"
Next to me, Axew sighs in sympathy. "You're Trainer's not that bright," he mutters.
Alice's POV
Clipping Palpitoad's Poké Ball back onto my belt, I stare at the ground, lost in thought.
I can't use Oshawott or Tranquill—they have a disadvantage over Electric-types. Tepig is back at Professor Juniper's lab, and Scraggy is, too. Who should I use?!
"You'll have to bring out your next Pokémon right now," the referee interrupts my thoughts, "or I'll have to disqualify you."
Her words cause me to jolt in surprise. No! She can't disqualify me! Not after I'm this close to winning my badge!
"Wait, give me a minute!" I tell her, waving my hands out in front of me. "This battle isn't over yet! I'll be right back!"
And with that, I turn around so fast and run towards the double doors. They slide open, and I run through them.
What can I use against an Electric-type?!
A little while later, I run back into the Gym, clutching a brand new Poké Ball.
"I'm sorry I took so long!" I pant, making my way over to my spot on the field.
Elesa raises her eyebrow at me. "If I may, you didn't, by chance, bring just Palpitoad, did you?"
My cheeks grow hot at her words, and I pull the hem of my shirt down over my belt to cover up the Poké Ball with my newly-healed Pokémon inside.
"What?! No, of course not!"
"...Oh, I'll ignore that," Elesa sighs, slight disappointment shadowing her facial features.
The referee holds up her arms. "Battle...restart!"
Immediately, I throw my chosen Poké Ball. "Snivy, I choose you!" And in a jet of blue light, my sleek and sassy Snivy appears, hands on hips.
Elesa winks at Emolga once her eyes land on my Grass-type. "Attract, won't you?"
"Counter with Attract!"
Gasps from my friends erupt from the side of the field as both Pokémon send bright pink hearts in the other's direction. The hearts surround Emolga, and even more hearts surround Snivy. But as they melt into each other's seemingly-soft skin, they remain normal. Like the attack did absolutely nothing.
"Attract... It didn't work!"
"You're right," Elesa murmurs in response. "By any chance, does your Snivy happen to be a female?"
Realization sinks like a stone in mud, and I let out a horrified shriek. "You're right! I'm sorry, Snivy!"
My head's been too full with this battle and type advantages I didn't even realize!
But while Snivy merely shrugs, like she expected me to forget, Cilan and Iris groan in disbelief.
"How many times will it take for Alice to learn Attract doesn't work between girls?!" Iris screams.
"Good question," Cilan chuckles in a shaky voice, "although, this is Alice we're talking about."
Pikachu's POV
Sighing heavily, I lean against Axew's back. My eyes shut in annoyance, my head prickling with disbelief.
"I can't believe her," I murmur to Axew.
"I feel sorry for you," he mutters back. "It must be a pain being on the field with her."
Although he has no right to say anything bad about my Trainer, I find myself saying, "You have no idea."
Alice's POV
Despite the comments my friends shower me with, I feel some of my confidence returning.
"Who cares if Snivy's a girl? ...No offense, Snivy," I add in quickly. She shrugs once again, and doesn't seem to take offense. "Electric-type moves aren't very effective on Grass-type Pokémon, anyway."
Elesa hides yet another smirk. "I think you've forgotten something, Alice~." Her voice sounds like a ribbon at the end of her sentence—so silky and beautiful. "Emolga may be an Electric-type, but remember, she's a Flying-type, as well."
Another wave of realization washes over me, and a thin layer of cold sweat begins forming at the back of my neck. "Flying-type moves are super-effective on Grass-types. And Snivy's a Grass-type!" I shriek out. "Snivy, use Vine Whip before Emolga can land an attack!"
She nods and jumps up into the air, her two long vines snaking out of her neck. They lash out, but the sky squirrel-like Pokémon nimbly dodges each attack.
"Use Leaf Blade!"
Snivy jumps up even higher, her leaf-shaped tail glowing, and attempts to bring it down on Emolga. But Emolga dodges again, and then the second time Snivy tries to strike.
"Leaf Storm!"
Snivy spins around in a pretty fashion, sharp leaves surrounding her. She sends them over to Emolga, and they collide into the Electric-type.
"...Did it work?"
Hope flares in my chest like an Ember attack, but it soon fades away, like it was quenched by a Water Gun, when the leaves clear, and I can see Emolga smirking down at me and Snivy. She seems unfazed by the attack, which makes a cold hand clench around my stomach.
"Emolga, it's time to show them how brilliantly you can shine," Elesa says, smirking. "Use Acrobatics!"
Emolga zooms forward and prepares to slam into Snivy, but at the last moment, Snivy narrowly dodges. She does this a few times, Emolga whizzing past her violently.
Pikachu's POV
Iris gasps, "Snivy!"
"This recipe's starting to go sour," Cilan comments, his voice thick with worry.
My hands clench into fists, and I bite my lip forcefully. "Alice, be careful!"
"Use Acrobatics once again!" Elesa yells.
Emolga soars towards Snivy again, but this time, she hits her. Snivy cries out in pain as Emolga smacks into her two more times.
Alice gasps, her hands flying to her mouth. "Snivy, no!"
"Alice, you idiot!"
It's all too much for me, and the electric power that's been storing up inside my red cheeks for the past few minutes are released into a Thunderbolt attack. My small yellow body vibrates violently, but I find the familiar tingling sensation comforting as I scream at the top of my lungs.
"Pikachu?"
At Cilan's voice, I stop releasing electricity, and turn around to face him. Iris clutches Axew tightly; I must've knocked him back with my Thunderbolt.
"What?" I ask them with as much innocence as I can muster at the moment.
"Watching Alice battle can whip you up into a froth, huh?" he asks gently.
My face is swamped in heat and redness; is this what Alice feels every time Cilan stares at her? "I guess so..."
Alice's POV
I can only watch with wide eyes as Snivy pants heavily in front of me. The sight of numerous scratches littering her green skin makes my fists clench up. What can I do to protect her from further attacks?!
"Your Snivy's obviously quite tough after all the attacks thrown her way," Elesa comments with a smile. "Now, for a dazzling finish! Aerial Ace!"
Pikachu's POV
Emolga soars through the air and speedily crashes into Snivy. As the Grass-type cries out, Emolga is able to sneak two more hits in.
"Alice, Snivy!"
Again, I feel my cheeks nearly burst with the amount of electric energy stored inside them, and I release it out in the form of a bolt of thunder. But instead of it going in one simple direction, it flies out uncontrollably, like a Discharge attack.
"Not again!" Cilan and Iris gasp from behind.
Alice's POV
Snivy drops to the ground, black swirls covering her eyes. My heart turns to stone and drops to my stomach. Two down...
"Snivy is unable to battle," the referee announces in her clear, radiant voice. "Emolga wins."
The fans cheer wildly from up above, and that's when I run over to my fallen Grass-type. I kneel down to her and pick her up, feeling her freezing body melt into my hands.
"Are you okay, Snivy?" She replies with a flick of her tail. "It's okay, you rest for now." I hold up her Poké Ball, and she returns to it in a jet of red light.
Pikachu's POV
My head is killing me! It feels like actual steam is rising up from my brain and into the air. Arceus, it hurts so badly!
"Pikachu?"
Iris's voice snaps me out of my pain-stricken daze, and I force myself to stand up. But once I make it up, I away from side to side, unsteady.
"It looks like you got whipped up into a froth again," Cilan tells me.
I blink rapidly, trying to refocus my vision. "I'm fine, I'm fine—" I steady myself onto my two back paws, my arms outstretched in front of me. Releasing two uncontrollable Thunderbolt attacks can really take a lot out of you.
Alice... Where's Alice?
My head swings from side to side, and I finally spot my Trainer sitting on the battlefield. Her arms are crossed over her chest, her legs folded in front of her.
She doesn't do well when she thinks about things too hard or too long. Oh, why can't she get it through her thick head that I can battle for her?!
The referee raises her eyebrow and snaps, "Excuse me?"
Alice jolts, like she's snapped out of some kind of daze, and holds out her hands. "Time out, please!"
The referee sighs, placing her hands on her hips. "Here we go," she mutters.
My black-haired Trainer looks back down at her lap, where she fiddles with her hands. "None of my Pokémon have an advantage over Electric and Flying-types."
"You'd better hurry up, or you are disqualified," the referee snaps threateningly.
At this, my Trainer screams in frustration, clutching her head in her hands. I can almost see the wheels turning frantically in her head. "What am I gonna do?! There's this type, then they're that type— Ugh! I'm so confused! What do I do?!"
Baring my teeth as my cheeks crackle with electricity, I scream out, "How about listening to your so-called buddy for five years straight?!"
And without even thinking, I release a bolt of lightning on her. She screams out in shock and pain, but quickly recovers once I stop.
I jump over to her and yell at her so hard my throat feels raw afterwards. "I'm sick of being ignored by you!"
But being the typical airhead she is, she brightens up once she sees me. "Pikachu! Do you have any ideas?"
Now I feel my annoyance meter hit the brim, and I launch myself at her. She lands on her back, my paws on her chest. My face nears her as I yell at her again. But of course, all she can hear is my Pikachu language:
"Yeah, I do! I can battle!" My red cheeks start sparking again, but I don't make any effort to contain the lightning that builds up inside them. "You don't need a fancy strategy to win this! We need each other!"
Her blue eyes widen, and she seems to let this all sink in. Her silence surprises me, since she's not one to stay quiet for long.
"Alright, choose your next Pokémon now," the referee commands.
Alice sits up, her eyes still locked on mine. "Okay, fine! I was wrong! I thought I needed to think of a fool-proof strategy to win this battle. But I can't think of anything by myself. I need my Pokémon. I'm useless by myself. I'm useless without them. But most of all, I'm useless without you, Pikachu." My ears twitch and perk up as she says those words. She holds out her hand and looks at me with those endearing blue eyes of hers. "I need your help to win this battle. Let's do this, side by side, hand in, er, paw. Please?"
I blink once, then twice, before finally something comes out of my mouth. "Alice..." A smile breaks out on my face. "Of course!" I jump onto her outstretched arm, nuzzling myself in her skin.
"Now that's the Alice I know," Cilan chuckles. "Forget some plan—I'd say this is a great recipe for success."
"Since both Pokémon are Electric-types," Iris says, "this battle will have to be decided on spirit."
After Alice gives me a quick but loving hug, I stare into her eyes. "Ready, Alice?"
When she nods, I jump forward and out of her arms. I land on the battlefield, my paws hitting the soft dirt. My cheeks crackle with electricity, and a smirk ghosts over my face.
"Come at me, Emolga!"
Alice's POV
My smile couldn't be wider as I watch my baby jump down from my arms and onto the battlefield. His cheeks sparking with electric power, he shouts challenging at Emolga, who's perched on Elesa's arm.
The blonde Gym Leader chuckles. "Well well, let's give them a charge!" She throws her arm off to the side, and Emolga flies off, chanting her name.
That familiar pulse of adrenaline pumps through my body, giving me that extra boost of energy. "Pikachu, use Electro Ball!"
"Emolga, Electro Ball!"
Both Pokémon gather up balls of electric energy and throw them at each other. Both orbs of lightning collide, canceling each other out.
Elesa smirks at the scene. "Now that was a draw."
"Use Quick Attack!" I'm not wasting any more time. I need to put an end to Emolga's winning streak now.
Pikachu charges at Emolga with incredible speed, jumps up and slams into her powerfully. Crying out, Emolga is sent back into the wall behind Elesa. Once the smoke from the impact clears away, Emolga can be seen, dark swirls on her eyes.
"Emolga is unable to battle. Pikachu's the winner!"
Ecstatic doesn't even begin to describe how happy I feel. "We did it, Pikachu!" He cheers, as well, jumping up and down.
Elesa, meanwhile, holds out a Poké Ball, a sad look on her face. "Emolga, you were brilliant, like the sun." In a thin flash of red light, Emolga returns to the Poké Ball, and Elesa turns to me and Pikachu. "You two are shining bright—so bright that I can hardly look straight at you both. Like a million shooting stars. If that's the case, I'll just have to make sure we shine a million times brighter than you!" she gushes, winking at me.
The girls up above cheer wildly and sigh dreamily. "I've never seen Elesa so serious about a challenger before!" one of them sighs.
"Maybe that'll get Elesa to use that Pokémon," another says.
A third girl squeals. "Then we'd be seeing Mega-Powerful Elesa!"
"What are they talking about?" Iris questions.
It's a moment before Cilan answers her. "Well, it sounds to me they're expecting Elesa to bring out some sort of secret weapon." At the mention of some kind of weapon, Iris makes a noise from her throat that sounds like a cross between worry and fear.
Elesa chooses a Poké Ball, and holds it close to her face. "Now, it's time for my Electric Queen." She kisses the Poké Ball lightly before throwing it. "The bright light's on you!" The Poké Ball shoots open, and in a flash of blue and white light, a small fish-like creature appears. "It's my Tynamo!"
Pikachu's POV
...You've gotta be kiddin' me.
That thing's tiny! It's barely the same size as me, and doesn't look like it contains the power Elesa gushes about.
"Uh..." From her clueless tone, I can tell Alice is just as confused as I am.
"That teensy thing is her most powerful Pokémon?" Iris asks quietly.
"Don't judge by appearances," Cilan reminds her in an equally shocked-sounding voice.
I hear Alice take out her Pokédex and hold it up to the creature. "And here I was," she says, "expecting something like Electivire."
"You're not the only one," I whisper, although it comes out as an assortment of "Pikas".
Alice's POV
Tynamo, the EleFish Pokémon. Tynamo usually lives in groups, and has an electric-generating organ, which discharges when in distress.
Slipping the Pokédex back into my pocket, I remark, "It doesn't sound so powerful by itself, but still, be careful, Pikachu." He nods as he looks over his shoulder.
"You're not going first?" Elesa asks. "Then I will. Tynamo, use Tackle!"
The small white fish-like creature zooms forward with incredible speed, and slams into Pikachu. He cries out in pain, and he's sent back into the wall behind me.
"Oh my—!" As my jaw drops in disbelief at Tynamo's speed and power, the tiny Electric-type chuckles. Pikachu struggles and peels himself from the wall, shaking stone out of his fur. I kneel down to him. "Are you okay, buddy?"
He nods in response. "Pikachu."
"Tynamo's powerful, that's for sure," I whisper to him. How will we be able to counter such amazing speed?
"Use Tackle once again!" Elesa shouts. Tynamo surges forward, ready to land another blow on my baby.
"Dodge it!"
But as Pikachu jumps to the side, Tynamo is nowhere to be seen. Pikachu's ear twitches in confusion, and if I were a Pokémon, I would do the same.
"Where did it go?"
Suddenly, a blurry white shape—Tynamo!—slams into Pikachu from up above. A cloud of dirt and dust erupts from the ground, and Tynamo soon backs away, proud of her work.
"Pikachu, no!"
When the cloud clears away, I can see Pikachu stuck in the ground from the waist down. He struggles to pull himself up, but the rocks around him won't budge.
I can't let him stay in there! There's got to be something I can do to free him!
Elesa smirks and calls out, "Tackle, once more!"
Tynamo surges forward and slams into Pikachu. She's able to land four hits before Pikachu cries out in outrage and pain.
"Tynamo has got incredible speed!" Cilan gasps.
"How can Pikachu dodge that?!" Iris frets.
As Tynamo pulls away from Pikachu, I realize with a stone heart my poor Electric-type can't go on for much more. Scrapes and puffs of dust decorate his usually-bright yellow fur, giving it a color that reminds me of the sun blocked by dark clouds.
Elesa chuckles for the millionth time today. "Where's that sparkle now?"
I grit my teeth in annoyance and try to block out her voice. "Pikachu! Please, buddy, I know you can still battle."
Pikachu's dark brown eyes widen, and he struggles to get out of his entrapment in the ground. He's finally able to pull himself out of the dirt.
Pikachu's POV
"That's my boy!" Alice cheers.
Panting heavily, I reposition myself on my paws. Feeling my hands sink into the soft dirt sends that familiar thrill of battle and energy through me.
I belong on the battlefield.
"Come at me, Tynamo!"
"There's that sparkle again," Elesa chuckles, her eyes twinkling. I feel a wave of warm pride wash over me.
"I think Pikachu's okay!" Iris sighs, sounding relieved.
Cilan nods, but his face is grave. "But now the remaining issue is how they'll be able to deal with Tynamo's speed."
Alice's POV
"Tynamo," Elesa commands in a no-nonsense voice, "use Tackle."
Tynamo gathers herself and surges forward so fast she's nothing but a mere white speck. With each passing second, she inches closer to my baby.
Now what, Pikachu?!
Pikachu's POV
Now what, Pikachu?!
I know my Trainer so well...
Rolling my eyes, I turn and look at her over my shoulder. "Counter Shield, duh!" She remembers Dawn and Piplup, right?
Alice's POV
"Pika pikachu," he answers me.
What? What does he mean by— Oh! I've got it!
"That's it..." I murmur in realization. With a smirk, I shout out, "Pikachu, Counter Shield with Thunderbolt, now! And keep it up!"
He nods briefly and jumps up into the air. He spins around rapidly, ejecting electric power in every direction. The sparks and bolts fly out, hitting the walls and ground in any direction possible.
But Tynamo dodges the bolts that lash out. But no matter. Tynamo's not our main target anyway.
"Alice knows Electric-type moves aren't effective on Tynamo!" Iris almost groans.
"No, Alice has a completely different plan up her sleeve," Cilan tells her.
Pikachu continues to release electric energy as he spins around furiously. A smile creeps up onto my face as dark clouds of smoke and dust begin to form around the battlefield.
"Keep up the Counter Shields, Pikachu!"
He releases a few more bolts and sparks and finally lands in front of me. A thin tunnel clears in the middle of the smoke and dust cloud. Tynamo's got nowhere to land surprise attacks now, since the field is covered in smoke. And if she does, we'll be ready.
I take a deep breath, trying to control my racing heart. "Ready, buddy?" He nods as he looks over his shoulder at me.
Elesa's eyes flicker with confusion. "Now what?" Suddenly, Tynamo surges forward, and Elesa's eyes grow wide. "Tynamo, no!"
"Use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail glows a steely silver, and he perches himself on the ground steadily. Tynamo inches closer with each passing second.
"Wait for it— Now!"
In a flash, Pikachu smacks his tail into Tynamo. The small EleFish Pokémon cries out in pain and is sent back towards Elesa.
"Pikachu countered it with Iron Tail!" Cilan gasps.
"Oh, no! Tynamo!"
But it's too late. Tynamo hits the wall behind a shocked Elesa, causing smoke to erupt from wall. When it clears, black swirls are plastered on her face.
Pikachu's POV
"Tynamo is unable to battle, so Pikachu wins, which means the winner of the match is Alice the challenger!"
I jump up and down in joy, crying out, "We did it, Alice!"
My Trainer looks stunned for a moment, but she soon relaxes her face and holds her arms out. "We sure did, Pikachu!"
Alice's POV
Pikachu jumps into my outstretched arms, where I hug him tightly as I spin around.
"Thank you, buddy! I love you!"
I would've never won without Pikachu by my side. Or Palpitoad and Snivy. But it was my little Electric-type who brought us to victory. He was the one who thought of using his Counter Shield in the first place.
As Iris and Axew cheer from the side, Cilan nods in my direction, and compliments, "A battle with rich and bold quality!"
Blushing, I unclip two Poké Balls from my belt and open them. Palpitoad and Snivy burst out in jets of blue light, staring at me expectantly.
"We won, guys!"
At my words, they both cheer, and tackle me to the ground. I land on my back and pet them both, laughing like crazy. Snivy nuzzles my cheek while Palpitoad snuggles against my shoulder, and Pikachu perches himself on my head.
But once I see Elesa and her referee walking over to us, I push them all off as gentle as I can and stand up, brushing dirt off of me.
"Alice, congratulations," Elesa says, smiling. "It turns out that I was forgetting things. You made me remember so much. A brilliant display's not the most important thing—its that unbreakable bond between Trainer and Pokémon."
Pikachu jumps back onto my head, looking down at me with those big brown eyes of his. "My little buddy here reminds me of that all the time," I tell her, chuckling.
"Pikachu," he answers, snuggling into my hair.
"The two of you make such a brilliant team," Elesa continues. "I got dizzy with your blinding pace!" She then takes the small box from the referee's hand and holds it out to me. "Here. I present you with the Bolt Badge."
My cheeks redden with happiness as I curl my fingers around the small badge. "Thank you very much." Holding it up to the light, I nearly squeal like a child.
My fourth Gym badge, safe in my possession! All those months of traveling to Nimbasa City really paid off in the end!
"I got the Bolt Badge!"
"Pi pikachu!"
"Palpitoad!"
"Snivy vy!"
Later that night, when the sun is setting, I stand outside the Gym with my friends as I place my new Gym badge inside my badge case. "Finally, my fourth badge," I sigh dreamily, clutching the case closer to me.
Iris runs up to me, smiling. "That's great, Alice."
I'm taken aback slightly. She almost never compliments me on my Gym battles, much less approves of the decisions I make while battling Gym Leaders. "Aw, thanks, Iris."
"At one point, you had me so worried that my head was spinning and my heart racing!"
I sigh heavily. I knew it wouldn't last long. There's the Iris I know.
But Cilan gives me an encouraging smile. "A great battle, nonetheless—spiced up with a lot of heat!"
Elesa steps forward. "Alice, which city are you off to next?"
"I'm not sure yet," I answer truthfully. Which city comes after Nimbasa City?
"Then may I suggest Driftveil City?" She winks at me. "They have quite a dazzling Gym there."
The mention of a new city and new Gym brings a rush of excitement through my veins. "Then let's go! C'mon, buddy!"
I start walking away from the Gym, Pikachu on my shoulder, when Elesa suddenly calls out, "I forgot! The Driftveil Drawbridge is closed for repair, so you can't cross!"
I freeze in my tracks, my heart going rigid. What?! Now she decides to tell me all of this?!
"You could stay in Nimbasa City until it's all fixed," Elesa chuckles in a nervous voice.
I push my hair back and sigh. "Thanks. I am hungry, though." I smirk at the Electric-type perched on my shoulder. "I bet I can eat more than you!"
He jumps off and lands on the ground next to me. "Pika pi!" he yells challengingly.
"Then I'll race ya!" As I start to run down the road, Pikachu at my side, I turn my head to partially look over my shoulder and yell, "I'll meet up with you at the Pokémon Center!"
A new Gym badge, another city close by, and my bond with Pikachu is stronger than ever.
And without waiting for an answer from my friends, I run down the road, my best friend at my side.
