Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
This is the first battle of the tournament between Arc and Neo, featuring Arc from Scriffignano's own Fic~
Chapter 55: Scuffle of Legends, Part 2: The Rematch
"Looks like their match is about to start," Chase informed his pokemon charges, Kashu now joining the said group.
"I hope Neo wins," Gertrud mentally spoke up with hope using her mind voice.
"Me too, but like I said, Arc is a strong trainer and looks like he's gotten stronger," Chase replied and chugged down another mouthful of soda. "Doesn't matter anyway. Knowing those two, they're just in it for the thrill and experience regardless if it's a big battle such as this."
"You ready for this, Neo?" Arc looked at him before leaving to take his place on the far side of the field.
Neo took a short sip of his medicine and shot him a grin, eager to have the rematch against his friend. "Ready when you are."
The wide screen above the stands lit up displayed both Neo and Arc's picture along with three Pokeballs next to each of them. A thunderbolt crashed between the two combatants, building the tension for what the crowd hoped to be an intense battle. The picture then shrunk to the bottom of the screen as the live feed cameras zoomed in on Neo and Arc as they stood in the trainer boxes on either side of the field. The crowds cheered in excitement. The battle was about to unfold.
Once Neo and Arc were on their respective sides, the floor of the practice arena dropped down to give way to the battlefield itself. It was a desert-like field with oasis pools that dotted its surroundings. With the arena set, and the crowd pumped, Arc went ahead and called his Pokemon first.
"Alright Earthshaker! Lets go!" He threw a Pokeball, releasing a huge quadrupedal water type Pokemon with a blue body and large fins.
Fascinated, Neo opened up his pokedex to analyze the pokemon. The device beeped to life and the screen displayed the needed data as well as the image of the pokemon.
Swampert
The Mud Fish Pokémon.
Swampert is the evolved form of Marshtomp. It is able to easily drag large stone weighing over 1 ton. It is also able to see through cloudy waters and detect approaching storms with its fin.
Neo concluded that the typing was going to be a problem and given its sheer size, its strength was not to be trifled with, unless he put him up with an equally large and strong pokemon.
Having made his choice, Neo looked at his crimson Drapion and motioned him to the arena. "Go for it, Scourge." His Drapion met his gaze, as if searching for confirmation. Neo smiled at him with a nod. "It'll be our first battle together. Let's both do our best."
The shiny Drapion screeched eagerly and launched into the arena, letting loose a fearsome roar. Arc's Swampert then reared up on his hind legs and made a bellowing moan that reverberated across the entire field, accepting the challenge Neo's Drapion issued.
On the screen, a long green bar appeared after the first of the three pokeballs displayed on each side, indicating the hit points of the respective pokemon.
"You have the first move, Neo! Show us what you're made of!" Arc laughed.
Neo grinned in reminiscence of their previous battle. "Alright, Scourge. Start off with Hone Claws, then follow up with Night Slash."
With a roaring screech, the sharp pincers on the shiny Drapion's arms and tail suddenly glowed white and grew in length. But gradually, the alabaster light darkened like the midnight sky as dark energy enveloped Scourge's limbs.
"He's raising his attack! Hurry Earthshaker and get into the water!" Arc pointed at one of the pools.
Digging his thick paws into the ground, Swampert leapt forward and charged towards the nearest pool on the left side of the field. As Scourge's tail finally accumulated enough power, he charged at the giant blue mudfish and swung his massive tail.
"Roll right, Earthshaker and Ice Punch!"
Just before Scourge's tail could latch onto him, the Swampert tucked into a tight ball and rolled to the right and of the way of the attack. As he untucked himself, Earthshaker struck at Drapion's tail with a chilled blue fist before getting into the relative safety of the oasis.
Retracting his tail, Scourge shook off the frost from that didn't disintegrate from the black energy and hurriedly scrambled to go after the Swampert. But as he neared the edge, he was suddenly stopped by Neo who called out to him.
"Scourge, be on guard. Stay away from the waters." He warned. "Use Hone Claws again and wait for Earthshaker to show himself."
Complying, Scourge sharpened his senses as well as his pincers, his eyes surveying the surface of the oasis pools as he stood cautiously on the sandy plains.
Arc smiled and called out to an adjacent pool from where Scourge was watching. "Use Whirlpool!"
The waters of the nearby body of water erupted outwards as Arc's Swampert breached the surface holding a mighty vortex of water above his crested head.
"Escape using Dig!" Neo countered as his shiny Drapion quickly burrowed under the sandy mounds, the loose particles easily giving way before shifting back to normal. The Whirlpool then crashed into the sand creating nothing more than a damp spot in the ground.
Earthshaker landed not a few feet away from where Scourge vanished, frantically searching for the impending threat.
"Calm down buddy!" Arc did his utmost to keep a good grip on the situation. "Force him out of the ground, use Earthquake!"
Swampert nodded and slapped both of his paws on the ground sending shockwaves into the sandy field that explosively forced layers of sand into air, shrouding the arena in a thick brown haze and impairing visibility.
The crowds gasped and Neo could see the Scourge's bar shorten significantly. It would have been greater if the terrain was harder, luckily, the loose sand absorbed the force. But it was not all to his disadvantage. Using the shroud as cover, Neo cried out to his pokemon. "Scourge, find Earthshaker and use Night Slash,"
In the midst of the haze, a dark silhouette appeared in midair, a growing black aura forming at the end of it. A screech sounded off and Scourge emerged. With his heightened accuracy, he zeroed in on the large form of Arc's Swampert and lunged straight for him with a tail enveloped in dark-energy.
"Get out of the way!"
Arc shouted too late though. As the haze faded, the attack struck Earthshaker in the middle of his back forcing him to his knees. There was now another problem that Arc couldn't have foreseen. Earthshaker's paws were now firmly stuck in the sand. Due to the Whirlpool attack earlier, the sand became moist and became somewhat like quicksand, coupled by the force of him using Earthquake locking him in place and leaving him open to a full on assault.
Neo seized the chance. "Scourge, follow up with Toxic."
As soon as the red Drapion landed back on the ground, he released a purplish torrent of poison from his tail straight at Arc's Swampert, dousing the giant mudfish. With the poison now seeping through his body, Earthshaker immediately felt the harmful effects taxing the strength from his body.
Arc seemingly backed into a corner. He clenched his jaw and looked away momentarily. After a few moments he came to again and stood tall. "We need to trap it if we want to get anywhere! Earthshaker, use Water Pledge!"
Swampert bellowed loudly, mustering the full extent of his strength and tore himself free of the sand's death grip. His frame then started to glow with a blueish hue before he punched the ground summoning spouting pillars of water from the oasis straight at Scourge. Despite Scourge's efforts to maneuver away, the rapid torrents struck with immense force and Neo's Drapion was swallowed up flung across the desert field before landing flat on his back. Luckily, the sand managed to soften the impact.
As Scourge stood back up, dripping wet and enraged, Neo looked at him worriedly and glanced at the screen. The health bar had a third left and it was now yellow. On the other hand, Earthshaker's was a little lesser and dropping due to the effects of poison. They could make it. Neo pressed on the attack. "Get close and use Night Slash."
Charging through the arena, Scourge rushed at Arc's Swampert as dark energy enveloped his tail. Earthshaker, gritting through the effects of poison, stumbled back a few feet before being struck by the attack.
"Come on Earthshaker, you have pulled through worse! I know you can do it!" Arc encouraged his Pokemon as best he could.
His Swampert nodded and pushed himself back on his feet. Breathing heavily his body flushed with a bright blue aura. Torrent had just activated and the empowering effects filled his body with pure energy, despite the tax Toxic put on him.
Arc smiled and laughed. "Let's finish this! Use Ice Pledge!"
Earthshaker reared up and punched the ground, once more summoning spires of torrential water, the mass considerably greater due to the Torrent ability. He then leaped into action and charged at Scourge weaving between the pillars of water. Before Scourge could react the pillars surrounded him, sealing his escape in a doused prison. Earthshaker then closed in just as the pillars merged together, striking the water with Ice Punch, freezing the water solid.
Neo stared in amazement of his friend's ingenuity, although, knowing Arc, he expected nothing less. For that, he inwardly grinned in admiration and glanced at the monitor, expecting to find Scourge's bar drained completely. But much to his shock, there was smidge of red left. He blinked and turned towards the battlefield where a pillar of ice stood imposingly. The sands beneath it shifted and a pair of crimson segmented arms poked out, flailing for a while but then just laid on the sand.
"Scourge?" Neo cocked his head upwards, understanding that his pokemon had used Dig on his own to escape but wondered why hadn't the Drapion emerged completely. He didn't just faint at that point.
Unless
.
.
.
"Scourge? Are you, by any chance... stuck?" Neo blurted out the only possible conclusion and a weak grumbling screech answered back as confirmation.
A majority of the crowd started laughing in amusement. Even Neo couldn't help but smile. He figured that Scourge must've burrowed himself just as the water pillars froze over. Part of him was caught, most likely his tail. Neo sighed, a smile still lacing his face. It would have been funnier if Scourge wasn't exhausted from the battle.
"Alright… Hold on." He stepped into the arena.
"Sir," the referee who stood at the sidelines intervened. "You are not allowed to interrupt the battle. If you step inside, you forfeit this round."
"Very well," Neo replied without a hint of reluctance and proceeded to cross the desert arena to get to Scourge. Even if he chose to forgo the battle, he knew his Drapion had barely enough strength to fight back.
The referee then turned to Arc to announce his victory but stopped as he watched Arc's Swampert sway back and forth before falling on his side, unconscious and unable to move. With both Pokemon unable to continue the match, the referee declared the first round to be a draw.
Arc then stepped in the arena as well and kneeled at his Swampert side, giving him words of praise that were inaudible to Neo and stroking his head crest. After returning Earthshaker to his Pokeball Arc walked up to Neo to see what he could do to help.
"Is he really stuck?" He stopped beside the raven-haired teen and leaned forward to get a better perspective.
Neo glanced at his friend just as he got a good handle on one of Scourge's Arms. "I think the tail's frozen." He gave a test tug and immediately thought how utterly useless his approach was. The Drapion was heavy and Neo was not the kind of person suited for the job. But he just couldn't leave him. Scourge let out another grumbling screech and tried to inch further out but to no avail.
Arc considered it for a moment before waving at the referee. "Hey ref, mind if I use a Pokemon to get his Drapion free? It will get this done a lot faster!"
Seeing as the round was over and it would help run things along, the referee gave the go signal.
Arc nodded back, acknowledging his answer before tossing a Pokeball. The capsule snapped open revealing his Rapidash, Mimzy. The magnificent mare with a flaming red and yellow mane whinnied loudly and nuzzled Arc before investigating the large ice pillar.
Neo sized up the elegant fiery steed and recalled the ones he had back at the manor that they used to draw carriages. He was familiar with the species, even rode one on several occasions but never really saw one in a battle situation. Looking at Arc's Rapidash, he suddenly recognized it but it used to be a Ponyta when he first saw it. It had evolved and grown considerably since that time.
"We need to break that, Mimzy." Arc tapped the frozen pillar. "Use Horn Drill and shatter the ice."
Mimzy nodded and turned to the massive column. The horn on her head spun at a blistering rate as she started boring into the ice. With each hole she made, the ice got progressively more brittle and started to crack. Once the whole structure was covered in cracks and fissures, Mimzy turned around and raised her back hooves just as Neo and Arc moved back to safer distance. And after a powerful kick, the ice shattered and Scourge was able to wriggle free from the debris.
The shiny Drapion crawled off and huffed in relief as he laid by Neo's side. As his trainer bent down and gave him an affectionate pat, he looked over at the other boy and his flaming pokemon. Recalling his prior behavior, he went over to Arc and gave a half-purring screech while Neo just watch the gesture with a smile on his face.
Arc gave the Drapion a thumbs up of approval. "There… Now we can resume the match." And with that, he walked back to his side of the field, Mimzy staying out and taking a more formidable pose.
Scourge promptly walked back to Neo and the teen gave him an approval and grateful pat and returned him to his pokeball. He then walked back to his previous spot and held out his second choice. "Last I saw your pokemon, she was still a Ponyta. I'm looking forward to see how she does in battle as a Rapidash."
"You never saw her battle as a Ponyta though." Arc remarked.
"And you've never saw Novus fight either," Neo countered and sent out his Dusknoir into the field. The ghostly Cyclops let out a deep and hoarse cry as he floated down to the arena.
"Ah yes… The one that caught your Gengar at that time," Arc recalled the last round of their first battle and sized up the bulky ghost-type.
At the mention of Gengar, Neo was momentarily lost in thought as wondered how Nero was faring with Blaze. A heavy feeling settled in his chest. He missed him but he understood that now was not the time for sappy thoughts. He was in the middle of a battle. With his calm face, masking the period of daze, Neo looked back at Arc who was growing with eagerness for the battle.
"Lets see how he fairs on a field that gives Mimzy the advantage." His eyes narrowed and he gave a wry grin. Mimzy snorted and pawed the ground, creating deep gouges in the sandy field.
With both pokemon positioned on their respective sides, the screen shifted and displayed a full green bar beside each of the second pokeball icon. Neo glanced at the audience that was once again growing with excitement before shifting his eyes upfront where another battle was about to begin.
"Your move first, Arc," he informed, seeing as he had the previous one. It was common courtesy to give the next one to his friend.
"Very well." Arc then pointed at Novus. "Use Flame Charge!"
Mimzy reared up on her hind legs before taking off towards Novus. Her mane and tail soon engulfed her entire body as she became a fiery torpedo that raced across the landscape. Just before she hit the Dusknoir though, Mimzy shifted directions and turned right, circling the edge of the field.
Neo eyed Arc's Rapidash carefully. Something was up. It was then he realized that Mimzy was gaining speed and momentum. He had to do something. "Novus, keep your distance. Use Shadow Punch."
His Dusknoir fixated his sole eye on the blazing steed and raised his balled up fists as a grayish aura outlined them. He then drew them back before punching the air with a snap, launching fist-shaped projectiles that zeroed in the the Rapidash.
Mimzy tried her best to outrun the ghostly fist, but it was all in vain. The attack struck her mid flanks causing her to lose her balance and tumble into the sand.
"I was afraid that Novus might know that move." Arc grit his teeth. "No matter, Use Horn Drill!"
The crowd gasped at his last statement. Even Mimzy paused, not understanding his motives, but complied anyways and charged forward, horn spinning at a frightful speed. Just as she, and everyone else suspected though, as soon as Mimzy touched Novus with the attack, she effortlessly phased through his massive body. Stumbling forward, she frantically tried to stop but the loose sandy terrain didn't slow her down enough and she ended up soaked in a pool of water on the other side, steam rising off her mane.
Neo, who was unfazed by the earlier attack like Novus, blinked blankly at his friend. He knew Arc had his clumsy moments every now and then but it still caught him off guard. "Arc? You do remember Normal-type moves don't work on ghost pokemon."
Arc slapped his forehead and was soon clocked on the back of the head by Neeko. "Ow! Yeah… I guess I forgot." He smiled sheepishly and Neo couldn't help but smile back at the sincerity.
"And there is another thing I should point out." Neo's demeanor changed to seriousness as he raised a finger, his eyes flickering with a thought. He signaled his Dusknoir and Novus turned to the Rapidash. "Your pokemon isn't the one with the fair advantage over the field."
At that, Novus' fists instantly dropped several degrees in temperature, white vapor steaming forth from them. He rushed at Arc's Rapidash but instead of striking the flaming horse, Novus brought his fists into the the water, freezing the surface into a slippery layer of ice.
Mimzy tried her best to stand, but the slippery ice coupled with her steel horseshoes made it impossible for her to do so. Trying as hard as she could with Arc looking on with hope, Mimzy slipped and slid all over the pool until she reached the edge where there was sand for her footing. Receiving a breather, she pushed her legs beneath her and stood back up.
Arc cried out with relief, "There you go. Now use Flame Charge once again!"
Undeterred by the prior event, Mimzy's body erupted into flames once more and she charged straight at Novus, with the intention of hitting him this time.
"Novus, stay above the ice and attack with Shadow Punch," Neo instructed as he took control of the battle with a calm pace.
Complying, his Dusknoir hovered above the created iced pools while rearing his arms in preparation to launch another assault. As Arc's Rapidash reached the sleek icy surface, she ended up sliding across the floor like a newborn foal learning how to walk. Novus floated aside and Mimzy slid past him, arriving to a halt at the other side of the oasis where she was struck once again by Novus' Shadow Punch.
"Blast it!" Arc snapped his fingers.
The field was now against him and he was obviously getting frustrated with how the battle was going. "Mimzy, use Bounce!"
Regaining her footing for a second time, Mimzy brayed loudly and leaped as high as she could into the air. She aimed with pinpoint accuracy and descended, bringing her hooves down on the Dusknoir's head.
"Novus, Thunder Punch!" Neo exclaimed as soon as the opponent's attack made contact.
As the force of the Rapidash's weight pushed down on him, Novus let out a fearsome moan and swung a heavy fist enveloped in yellow streaks of electricity. He managed to knock off his opponent, but he was still brought to the icy floor, causing a web-like crack on the surface.
Mimzy's legs buckled under the pressure of the attack hitting her flank and she rolled to the side, landing in the soft sand. She then struggled back to her feet, the pain of the critical hit leaving her out of breath and the flames in her mane and tail weakened.
"Mimzy!" Arc called to her. She looked at him with a somber sorrowful look. The pain she was feeling was obviously great and even standing was now an obstacle for her. "One last rodeo… Use Wild Charge!"
At the sound of Arc's enthusiastic call, Mimzy mustered the rest of her strength and charged at Novus. Her body then jolted with electrical power and her form took the shape of a lightning bolt streaking across the field. Gathering what was left of her energy and the speed she gained earlier from Flame Charge, she bravely leaped onto the ice and and used the momentum and speed to drive straight at the Dusknoir before he could have a chance to dodge.
Mimzy rammed forcibly against the Dusknoir who tried to hold her off with his bulky arms that was also radiating streaks of electricity. The force drove them straight to the edge of the frozen oasis and two crashed into a sand dune, scattering brown particles into the air. The crater left in the field was incredible. At the center of the field laid Neo's Dusknoir, a perfect print of his body solidified in the half-scorched ground. Mimzy was a ways off, her legs splayed outwards and breathing heavily. Not a second more passed before Arc's Rapidash collapsed to the ground unable to continue any longer.
The referee promptly announced Neo's victory for the round as the roaring crowd once again cheered and applauded. Neo waited for Novus to get up before glancing at the healthbar. It was around half and the green bar had now turned yellow.
Arc walked out to Mimzy and gave her a pat on the neck. After a few encouraging words he walked off the field and faced Neo once more. Sweat beaded from his brow and the muscles in his neck were clenched tight. It was obvious he was having a hard time coping with the situation.
"Neo dominated that round!" Chase commented and clapped loudly while the rest of the pokemon let out their respective cheers.
"Novus and him really make a good team." Gertrud smiled, recalling the battle between Neo and Blaze.
Arana and Kashu both nodded in agreement.
"But let's save the rest of the celebration later. I'm sure Arc still has a trick up his sleeve." Chase settled back down, his eyes following Neo's opponent.
"Its the final round Neo… I expect you to not hold back!" There was a sharp edge to Arc's words as Neeko took his place on the field, knowing full well that he was Arc's last hope at victory.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Neo answered back, his eyes occasionally returning to Novus to see if he could still continue. His Dusknoir suddenly turned his head and met Neo's gaze. After a pause, he floated back to the fray, ready to battle. Neo admired and thanked his Dusknoir's resilience and silent understanding of his intentions. "Alright, Novus… Let's do this."
The wide screen on Arc's side shifted and the final pokeball was then accompanied by a green bar. Neo took a deep breath and analyzed the upcoming battle. He only had to beat Arc's Charizard but that posed quite a challenge. Arana managed to end the battle last time as a draw. And if Neo could recall, Neeko was capable of using Thunder Punch so it would be problematic later on for Genbu. He could only pin his tactics on letting Novus weaken Neeko and Genbu will use water-type attacks to finish the battle. With his strategies laid out, Neo turned his full attention to the battlefield in front of him.
Arc was holding a more serious stance than before, fueled by his partner's eagerness to start the battle . If what Arc had claimed to be true, then this would be the first time that those two have battled side by side since Neeko's horrid accident. Silence permeated the entire stadium as the spectators watched with anticipation to see what would happen next.
As soon as the referee declared the round to begin, the round ignited and both competitors launched into action.
"Novus, Thunder Punch!"
"Neeko, Flamethrower!"
Simultaneously, Neo's Dusknoir and Arc's Charizard began their assault. Novus rushed forward with both fists shooting yellow sparks of crackling electricity, while, Neeko tipped his head back, fire billowing out the corners of his mouth. As he threw his head forward, the fire didn't come out as a single stream, but as a five pointed symbol that rushed at Dusknoir.
"Novus! Move! That's Fire Blast!" Neo yelled out.
His Dusknoir halted and leaned hard to the left side, managing to avoid a direct hit, but it still left a throbbing black scorch mark across his right arm. Novus groaned in pain as the sparks of his fists simmered down, his eye narrowing fiercely at the Charizard. Neeko responded with a similar glare and roared loudly to challenge Neo and his Dusknoir.
"Now use Thunder Punch yourself!" Arc pointed at Novus.
Knocking his fists together, Neeko generated as much electrical power as he could and started swinging at Dusknoir.
"We accept your challenge," Neo acknowledged Arc's Charizard and his Dusknoir responded by charging his fists with violent bolts of electricity.
As Neeko's first blow came in, Novus retaliated with his own. A lightning storm was unfolding in the arena. Golden sparks of lightning flew out as each combatant exchanged blows, parried and blocked. Novus was already exhausted from the earlier battle, but the damage he was dealing was significant due to the Charizard's typing.
But after a couple more explosive exchanges, Neo's Dusknoir had used up all his strength, his fists no longer emitted any sparks and a moment later, he fell unconscious to the desert floor.
"Novus!" Neo cried out in concern.
Although he had anticipated Novus' defeat, he never prepared himself for the actual surreality of it. Unlike his other pokemon, he had never witnessed his Dusknoir knocked out. He was the strongest and most resilient of his team, his makeshift family. His mind drowned out the roaring crowd, only the voice of the referee penetrated his thoughts as he announced Novus' defeat.
As soon as it was declared, Neo ran out of his spot and rushed to his Dusknoir who was partly regaining consciousness on the ground. Kneeling down, he laid his hands on the Dusknoir's bulky arm and looked to him like a lost child. Novus's eye focused on him. He moaned hoarsely and sat up, reassuring Neo that he was okay.
It was then that the young nobleman suddenly understood that his behavior was a tad overly concerned. He smiled shyly and squeezed his Dusknoir's arm. "Sorry about that, Novus… You fought very hard... Thank you. Genbu will take over from here." With that he, returned his pokemon to his pokeball and walked back to his platform, before casting a smile at Neeko as well.
Neeko was breathing heavily, but returned the smile and waited for the much anticipated rematch with a certain spunky and spirited water-type.
"Woah. To think that Arc and Neeko actually beat Neo's Dusknoir…" Chase stared at the arena in disbelief. "I mean, whenever Neo was down to his last pokemon, Novus always pulled through for him. He was the key pokemon that helped Neo defeat his first two gym leaders..."
"Don't forget about Blaze," Gertrud added quickly. "Novus was the one who defeated Azusa's mega evolved form."
Kashu frowned and Arana let out a sad cry, her flames swaying lifelessly.
"It's okay, Arana," the Roserade reassured her friend as she patted the curve of her arm with her rose bouquet. "We all know how strong Novus is. Besides, he was already tired from the previous battle."
The Chandelure nodded and gazed at her trainer who was walking back to his place. "...Neo."
"This is it, Arc." Neo looked to his friend at the far side of the arena. "It's the last round and it's our pokemons' long awaited rematch."
"I've been looking forward to this! Show us what you have learned since we last met!" Arc smiled and punched the air towards Neo, Neeko copying the move.
Smiling eagerly, Neo held out his pokeball and sent Genbu out into the arena. The Wartortle landed near the edge of the oasis and let out an eager cry as he balled his indigo blue fists, his maw formed a grin and his eyes focused on the familiar orange dragon-like pokemon. "Genbu's still a Wartortle but I guess that's fair since Neeko's not in full shape."
"Neeko is just fine… trust me!" Arc assured with a confident grin.
Neeko snapped his jaws, and roared loudly. He was ready for the final battle, despite getting knocked around a few times by Neo's Dusknoir.
The referee then shouted, signalling that the final round of the first three on three match is now underway. Arc decided to take the initiative and start the final round.
"Use Flamethrower!"
Once again fire poured from Neeko's maw, but this time it was actually a Flamethrower attack and not a surprise Fire Blast. The flames skated mere inches from the ground straight at Genbu, scorching the sand below it into hardened glass.
"Genbu, let's fight fire with water. Use Aqua Jet," Neo commanded.
As the blazing stream of flames surged towards him, Genbu encased himself in a shell of water and rocketed straight for Neeko's Flamethrower and drilled through the blazing inferno, causing a thick steamy cloud to engulf the field.
The crowds gasped and murmured. None could tell what was happening. Every angle of the camera was covered by the shroud. The only sign that they could pick up that the battle was on-going was the sound of rushing water and sizzling flames.
At some point, the sounds ceased and all was calm on the field. Silence lingered before a bright orange light could be seen rising from the steam. Neeko then burst forth from the top layer of steam, gaining altitude with every flap of his wings.
"Use your wings to clear the field! Then once you see him, use Dragon Rage!"
Neeko pumped his wings up and down as hard as possible, blowing the steam away with every stroke. Soon the steam was gone, leaving Neo's Wartortle exposed to the Charizard's next assault. Neeko took his chance and formed an orb of orange energy in his mouth orbited by rings of fire. The attack slowly built before he fired it straight at Genbu.
"Genbu, use Ice Beam to counter!"
Once the raging torrential assault crossed midway, Genbu fired back with a violent freezing bolt, aiming it directly in the path of Neeko's attack. The opposing streams clashed once again, but each was negating the other in an intense deadlock. The audience cheered wildly at the two rivals who were displaying power on equal terms.
"Arc." Neo called out to his friend/opponent. "If you can remember... Genbu's no ordinary Wartortle. He has an affinity that makes him stand out from the others." He shifted his gaze to his Wartortle. "Alright, Genbu! Full power!"
At those words, Genbu powered up his Ice Beam attack and the icy blue bolt grew in mass and was now rapidly advancing towards Arc's Charizard who determinedly tried to force it back. but it was too strong to cancel out.
"Neeko… tuck and roll into Thunder Punch!"
Without missing a beat, Neeko then ceased his assault and tucked hard right from the Ice beam, the freeze ray pass as he did, striking him on the left shoulder, chilling him to the bone. He then rolled forward shattering the ice on his shoulder and charged straight at Genbu, his fists jolted with electrical power as he rapidly closed in on the little Wartortle.
"Use Protect, Genbu!" Neo reacted quickly.
Before Neeko's electrically charge fist could land a hit, Neo's Wartortle brought his arms over his head in a cross position, a bluish green light soon outlining his entire form. The Thunder Punch made contact with golden sparks exploding out, however, Genbu was unscathed at the slightest.
"We've come prepared for that move." Neo smiled at the small victory before he issued his countermeasure. "Now, follow up with Water Pulse!"
The indigo blue turtle lowered his arms and grinned at Neeko before leaping back, accumulating a whirling sphere of water between his claws. As soon as he touched the sandy ground, he let fly the blue watery projectile which struck Neeko and sent him flying back across the desert field.
Arc grit his teeth and watched as Neeko wearily stood up as sand rolled off his blackened wings and back. The battle was in Neo's favor. He had to act fast to turn things around. It was then he shifted his bracer and looked down suddenly, recalling his final trump card.
"You know… I think Genbu has the advantage in this battle, and I have to say that you have truly improved since we last met." Arc modestly dipped his head in respect. "But unfortunately you forgot something important about Neeko and myself." He smiled.
As Genbu kept his guard up, Neo watched intently, wondering where Arc was going with this.
Arc held up his right arm showing the small stone he had set in his leather bracer. "You forgot that Neeko and I share a bond like nothing this tournament has ever seen before!" Arc tapped the stone causing a bright yellow light to radiate from the sphere. "Bond our hearts together! Mega Evolve!"
At those words, the stone in Neeko's collar flashed with a bright crimson light that radiated outward and resonated with the light from Arc's Keystone. The tendrils melded and turned white, an orb of prismatic energy surround Neeko's body.
With the power in the Mega stone, Neeko began to transform. His head and body slimmed out and his neck shortened up. He grew a third horn on his head that was longer than the other two, and the fangs visible in his mouth grew in size as well. His wings also became longer and more ragged, and there were two miniature wings on his hands now. Finally, Neeko's tail grew small spines on the end and a single spike jutted out of his lower back.
Letting out a reverberating roar, the enveloping light dispersed and Neeko's mega evolved form stood in all its awe-inspiring glory in the arena. And although his scorch-like scars still marred his wings and back, it didn't depict him as a beat pokemon. Rather, the marks made him as fierce and grand as ever. Just then, as if the heavens have opened up, sunlight beamed down from the skylights and flooded the arena with fire-type empowering energy.
"I feared that would happen," Neo muttered to himself.
He had seen the power of Mega Evolution as its finest and figured that at some point, he had to face one or two in the tournament. He just didn't expect that Arc would be one of them before he saw the Mega Stone that rested on Neeko's collar. Then again, Arc fit the bill of a trainer with a strong bond with his pokemon.
A small smile laced his face as he shifted his attention to his friend. "You never cease to amaze me, Arc. Since the day we first met to our reunion and rematch now, I've never faced another opponent quite like you."
"And I have never faced an opponent quite like yourself either!" Arc gave Neo his signature salute. "But unfortunately we are now just idling this battle. These people came here for a show and I have every intention of giving them one!"
Neo chuckled softly and grinned eagerly. "Right. It's time we finish things."
"Neeko, show them what you're truly made of! Use Fire Blast!"
A bright red aura emanated from Neeko's body as he prepared to launch his attack. The warmth of the sun's rays boosting his fire-type abilities. Fire then poured from his mouth and he launched the blazing five point symbol straight at the indigo blue turtle.
"Genbu! Escape to the Water!" Neo exclaimed, knowing full well that negating the attack was out of the question.
Neo's Wartortle tucked inside his shell and went for the water. The Fire Blast singed the lower half of his shell and part of his tail just before he could hide it. And only moments after diving in, Genbu splashed out of the water, exasperated and looking down the scorch marks behind him with dread.
Even the water temperatures were rising, Neo guessed, understanding that his Wartortle was more of an ice pokemon than a water-type. And that meant, his favors were quickly melting with the sudden heat wave.
"Don't give him a chance to counter! Use Thunder Punch!" Arc followed up.
Digging his feet into the soft sand, Arc's Charizard took to the skies faster than he has ever been seen before. He did several loops in the air before dive bombing at Genbu with both of his fists crackling with lightning and thunder.
"Genbu, use Protect!" Neo was now on the defensive.
His Wartortle raised his arms and summoned a bluish green barrier. As Neeko came diving down like a missile, his fist collided with his target. Genbu's shield managed to hold off the electrical surge but not the force of the impact as he was sent flying across the desert field and crashing straight into a sand dune.
Neo could only watch as his Wartortle scrambled out of the heap, panting as the heat continued to drain away at his endurance. Genbu was definitely not suited to such intense sunlight. "Don't give up, Genbu! Fight back with Water Pulse!"
Mustering his resolve, Neo's Wartortle conjured up whirling water spheres and launched them at Neeko.
"Dodge the ones you can and counter the rest with Thunder Punch!"
Neeko made an immediate vertical climb out of range of the first wave of attacks, Spinning loops around the field, he became a blur as one after the other he dodged the assaulting spheres. Then the last two came flying at him, but he was too close to dodge them both. Using a crackling fist, he punched through the first Water Pulse evaporating it on impact and sending the second one flying back charged with electrical energy.
Caught off guard, the electrically charged Water Pulse struck Genbu directly on his pale yellow underbelly and sent him rolling across the sandy terrain where he once again plunged into an oasis pool. After a few moments, Genbu wearily got out, slightly rattled but conscious.
"Genbu!" Neo looked to his Wartortle with worry. "You can do this, Genbu! Fight back with Ice Beam!"
Determined, Genbu steeled his stance and unleashed a violent freezing bolt towards Neeko, leaving behind a frozen trail in its wake.
"Counter it with Flamethrower!"
Arc's Charizard once again spewed a fiery inferno at Genbu. The attacks struck each other making the perfect clash of fire and ice as they battled for supremacy over the field. Swaying back and forth, they persisted in their attacks unwilling to accept defeat by the other's claw.
"Keep going, Genbu! Just hold out a little longer!" Neo cried out, his hands clenched and his eyes intensely focused on the battle. He could sense the conclusion drawing near.
"Full power Neeko! Give it everything you've got!" Arc raised his hand in encouragement. Snow Storm squeaking excitedly for him.
The Charizard nodded and poured on the extra heat. Then all at once, the Ice Beam dissipated and the infernal torrent surged forward. The Genbu couldn't hold it back anymore. He merely braced himself as he was engulfed by the massive Flamethrower. The crimson flames soon died down and all that was left was the field scorched from the attack with Genbu flat on his back, laying in a pile of ash and soot, unconscious.
"Wartortle is unable to continue! The round goes to Charizard and the victory for the first battle of group three goes to Arc of Pallet Town!" The referee waved a flag at Neeko and Arc. Cheers and applause erupted in the stands.
"Neo lost..." Gertrud shuffled in her seat as she gazed sadly at the arena. "He was so close."
"Yeah." Chase placed a hand on the Roserade and met her gaze with a kind smile. "But I don't think he's that upset in losing to Arc."
Arana nodded in agreement. "Friends..."
Gertrud smiled. "Can't wait to see the look on Neo's later when he hears you in his head."
"...You make it sound like Neo's gone crazy," Chase chided.
"Sorry. That sounded better in my head... Errr..." Gertrud couldn't take back her thoughts as Chase, Arana and Kashu laughed.
Neeko breathed heavily and sat down on the desert floor, his form fading away in light and reverting to his previous appearance in the process.
"You were amazing buddy! Well done out there!" Arc ran out and praised him for his prowess on the field.
Meanwhile, Neo was already out in the arena, kneeling down and trying to draw his Wartortle out of unconsciousness. Genbu's eyes fluttered open and he gazed back at his trainer. The sad smile he had told the indigo blue turtle everything. Averting his eyes, Genbu frowned at his defeat and let out a weak cry.
"Hey now…" Neo pulled him close and shifted him around so he face Genbu. With a gentle pat and a smile, he comforted the sad turtle pokemon. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. You did incredible, Genbu."
"Warr…" Genbu didn't seem to be cheered up by those words.
Neo chuckled under his breath and scooped him up in his arms, much to Genbu's surprise. "This is not the end. We'll get them next time. Besides, there's still four more battles ahead. And I'll be counting on you."
"Wartortle!" Genbu let out a strong cry and swayed his tail from side to side happily.
With Genbu settled, Neo walked over to Arc to extend his congratulations. "Seems like I still have a long way to beat you." He balanced his pokemon on one arm and reached out his freehand.
"You almost did beat me. The only reason I won was because Neeko got me back into my normal rhythm." Arc shook Neo's hand. "I wish you the best for the rest of the tournament."
"Likewise." Neo smiled and was about to turn away when Arc called him back.
"Hey ugh… did you leave a flashlight in Genbu's shell?"
"...A what?" Neo looked at his friend incredulously.
"Genbu's tail just lit up for a brief moment. Either he is getting close to evolving or you left a flashlight in his shell. And I don't think it's the latter." Arc chuckled.
Neo and Genbu exchanged looks before the Wartortle raised his tail so they could get a better look. In a moment, Genbu's curly tail indeed glowed before it faded back to normal. The two smiled and Genbu was on the verge of bouncing with excitement in Neo's arms.
"That's great, Genbu! But can you settle down? You're heavier than you look." Neo chuckled and smiled down at his Wartortle who had stopped fidgeting. "I think this might be the last time I can carry you around like this... Sooner or later, you'll be the one doing it."
Genbu's eyes lit up at the idea of him being a huge Blastoise and turned to Neeko with a wide grin. "Warr!"
"You might want to savor this victory, Neeko. I don't think Genbu is going to be such an easy opponent next time you cross in battle." Arc elbowed his Charizard in the side and Neeko snorted with annoyance and proceeded to knock Arc in the back of the head with his wing. "Ow! Hey, I'm sorry if you can't handle the cold truth!"
After the aftermath pleasantries, the two soon left the arena to heal their pokemon.
"I'm going to go join Lily and Thorn in the stands once I get my Pokemon rested. I have a bit of time before I have to battle again and I want to watch the upcoming rounds myself," Arc continued their conversation as they went down.
"Same here. I think there are two battles before my next one," Neo informed as he recalled the match up in his mind.
"Know who you have to face next?" Arc pulled a battle itinerary out of his lab coat pocket. "I'm up against someone named Ariann in the seventh round match up."
Neo glanced at the piece of paper and looked for his name. "Fourth battle and I'm going to go against… " He trailed off at the sight of Kiba's name next to the person he was going to go up against in the fourth match. "It seems like she's going to battle Kiba now for the second round." He considered it for a moment. "I should watch and see what I'm going to be up against."
"Not a bad idea. And hey, Kaye's battle is in the third round. I bet she is going to use that levitating ice type of her's," Arc remembered the white pokemon that was with her.
"You mean that Froslass? It's part ghost-type so be careful," Neo explained based on his knowledge on ghost pokemon. "That means no more normal-type moves."
"Note taken." Arc winked at him.
"Perhaps after all this, we can…" Neo tried to find the words. "Hang out? It'll be good to catch up."
Arc considered it for a second before smiling at Neo. "That sounds most excellent. We never got the chance to do that last time. Besides, I would love for you to meet all of mine and Lily's Pokemon… outside of battle of course."
"I'd like that and I'm sure Arana would love to thank you personally for the Dusk Stone. Also, I want you to meet another member of my team. You'll find her really… surprising." Neo smiled slyly as she thought of Gertrud. "Let's meet up after the tournament."
"I look forward to it." Arc waved and headed off towards the healing stations near the western stands while Neo walked towards the southern one near the stands where Chase and others were.
End of Chapter 55
That was another exciting battle between Arc and Neo~! Special thanks to Scriffignano.
And his OC from his Fanfic "Pokemon: The Untold Story of Arc"
There's three more battles to go, one of which is a rematch with Kiba.
Here's a Special Art piece for Neeko's Mega Evolution~
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And the cover art which features all five OCs~
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Read and Review! Thank you~!
Hoping it'll reach 250 at least. :3
