For her Top 32 match, Summer faced off against Carlos, the Ace Trainer she met at Rock Tunnel. After a fierce battle, Summer triumphed, with Rocky defeating Carlos' Charizard. Unfortunately, her next opponent is Rai. How will she fare against the second Trainer she battled on her journey?
P.S. Thanks to Gokukrish for Rai's Pokémon choices! :)
Chapter 52: The Rematch of Stage 1 Evolutions
The six of us had breakfast at R.O.B., which stood for Ready to Order Breakfast. Candy, Rai, and I were pretty nervous about our battles today. He and I kept avoiding each other's eyes since we sat across from each other while Candy's fork trembled and almost fell to the floor. Compared to Samir, Ariel, and Carlos' plates, we barely made a dent on our pancakes and scrambled Chansey eggs.
Carlos sighed impatiently and stared at us. "Look, amigos. I know you are nervous about your battles. But por favor, don't ruin your appetites over them."
"He's right," Ariel inputted. "We don't want you guys to battle poorly because of a lack of food."
"Come on, you three," Samir reassured. "No matter what happens, you all did really well this year."
I softly smiled. "That's true." I then faced Rai, who was also recovering from his nervousness. "Let's battle to our best abilities, Rai. May the best Trainer win."
"Thanks, Summer." We shook hands and continued eating our breakfast.
Candy scoffed. "Easy for you two to feel better. I'm battling Enoch!"
Carlos sighed. "Two out of three's not bad…"
Later that afternoon…
This time, the P.A. announcer told me to wait in the blue tunnel until I received my cue. I took this time to reflect on my first encounter with Rai.
After my first loss as a Trainer, Samir and I wandered through Viridian Forest and found Rai battling a Pichu. Back then, he was really cruel and arrogant, only caring about Pichu becoming a Raichu. After confronting him about his behavior, we battled, and I almost got Blaze badly injured. After healing him, I met the Pichu and got to know her after healing her as well.
After I caught her, he and I battled, with the Pichu coming out on top. This made Rai realize Pokémon could become stronger by bonding and growing together. After we parted ways, I learned from Samir he became a member of the Random Egg program and hatched Pokémon that became part of his team. I can't wait to see how strong they are, and I know Lightning can't wait to battle against Rai again.
Summer Scorcher, please enter the arena.
I took a deep breath and entered the south side of the stadium. Cheers greeted me, as well as Rai and the referee. I walked into my box and looked at the official.
"The junior division match between Rai from Cerulean City and Summer from Littleroot Town will now begin. The field type and first move will now be chosen."
We all looked at the television screen for the outcome. After a few minutes, the referee announced, "The battle will be on the water field and Rai will have the first move."
As the shield went up, the field immediately was replaced with a pool of clear water and eight white stone platforms rising from the bottom of the pool. The platforms were arranged in two diamond patterns, with two of them touching at the center of the field.
"Trainers, choose your first Pokémon!"
Rai chuckled as he took out a Pokéball. "Time to take advantage of this field. Go, Croconaw!"
A medium-sized blue alligator with a red crest and cream colored bottom appeared and roared fiercely. He landed on a platform closest to Rai and glared at me.
[Croconaw, the Big Jaw Pokémon and the evolved form of Totodile. Once its jaws clamp down on its foe, it will absolutely not let go. Because the tips of its fangs are forked back like fishhooks, they become irremovably embedded.]
"What do you think, Summer?" Rai excitedly asked.
I laughed. "He does look strong." And painful… "I'll take advantage of the field as well. Go, Swirls!"
She popped out and firmly landed on the platform closest to me. "Rad water, Dudette! Can't wait to show off my righteous swimming skills!"
"All right, but be careful," I cautioned.
"Battle begin!"
Rai eagerly shouted, "Croconaw, Aerial Ace!"
To our astonishment, the Pokémon quickly hopped over the platforms and slashed Swirls with his claws. She then fell into the water, which reduced most of the impact, and swam to the opposite end.
"Great job, Croconaw. Now dive in and use Bite!"
His Water type nodded and chased after the Poliwhirl.
Knowing she can't outswim him, I shouted, "Swirls, Water Pulse!"
She flipped around and aimed an orb of water at her opponent. Because she was in the pool, the water around her became a small whirlpool, forcing Croconaw to avoid the water whipping his body.
I heard Swirls' voice gurgle, "Surf's up, dude!"
The Water Pulse knocked him to Rai's side, but it didn't cause much damage.
"Croconaw, get out of the water and use Hydro Pump!"
He nodded, leapt onto the platform to the right of his Trainer, and lifted up his head. An orb of water, much larger than a Water Pulse, formed in his mouth. Although the move wouldn't have an effect on Swirls because of her ability, the impact of it will.
"Swirls, jump onto a platform and brace for impact!"
She emerged from the pool and onto the platform on my right. "Time to brave the storm!"
Rai was confused at our strategy until he saw the Poilwhirl's injuries fading as she was hit by the strongest Water type attack. She smirked as Croconaw gave a soft growl.
"I didn't know Swirls has Water Absorb!" Rai exclaimed. "That's pretty cool! Alright, Summer. Try this, Aerial Ace!"
As the Johto Pokémon hopped towards Swirls, I shouted, "Hypnosis!"
Swirls formed three purple rings and shot two at the fast Water type. Although he dodged them, he couldn't avoid it at close range and immediately collapsed next to Swirls. He was in such a deep sleep, Rai's pleas couldn't wake him.
"Now Swirls, Water Pulse!"
She leaped into the air and charged the orb. "Surf's up again!"
She threw it onto the sleeping Pokémon, and the attack made contact. Croconaw flew in the air and crashed onto the center platform. When she returned to her platform, Croconaw was injured and still asleep.
Rai knew his Pokémon couldn't battle anymore even if he woke up, so he told the referee, "I'm withdrawing Croconaw from the battle."
The referee accepted his decision. "Rai has chosen to remove Croconaw from the battle. Swirls wins!"
I smiled. He did learn a lot since our last encounter…
As the screen updated, Rai returned the sleeping Water type and smiled at me. "You really caught me off guard, Summer! But my next Pokémon won't. Go, Sneasel!"
A black Pokémon with a long curved claws and a red-feathered tail jumped out of her Pokéball and snickered. As she landed on the center platform in front of Swirls, a small red feather lightly fluttered on her left ear.
[Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon. A Sneasel scales trees by punching its hooked claws into the bark. It seeks out unguarded nests and steals eggs for food while the parents are away.]
Rai has fast Pokémon. I should keep my distance.
"Battle begin!"
"Sneasel, Agility!"
She smirked as she ran around Swirls, picking up speed with every second. Despite having limited space, she used it really well.
"Swirls, Water Gun!" She tried to aim at the Pokémon, but she couldn't focus on her to land an attack.
"Sneasel, Faint Attack!"
Swirls was finally able to launch the stream of water when she stopped. But to our shock, Sneasel disappeared and easily dodged the Water type move. As we were looking for the sly Pokémon, she reappeared behind Swirls and knocked her onto the platform in front of Rai.
As the Water type slowly got up, Rai commanded, "Metal Claw!"
"Swirls, Ice Punch!"
As Sneasel charged forward with her claws turning silver, Swirls turned around and charged up her right fist with light blue energy. The two attacks collided and were evenly matched.
Until, Rai shouted, "Icy Wind!"
Sneasel released at breath of cold air at Swirls, allowing her to overcome the Elemental Punch. She then slashed the Poliwhirl's chest, knocking her onto her back. The Sharp Claws Pokémon then returned to the center platform and smirked.
"Swirls, are you okay?" I shouted, but she didn't respond.
"Swirls is unable to battle! Sneasel wins!"
I returned Swirls with a smile, knowing she gave everything she had. "That Sneasel's really fast, Rai. You raised her well."
He gave a humble smile. "Thanks, Summer! She's a quick learner!" His Pokémon nodded at the praise.
"Now let's see how you handle my one of my fastest Pokémon! Go, Lightning!"
She happily leaped onto the center platform after being released, and the two glared at each other, ready to test each other's speed.
"Battle begin!"
"Sneasel, Metal Claw!"
"Lightning, Iron Tail!"
The two Steel type attacks collided as Lightning swung her tail at Sneasel's claws. Because they were evenly matched, they jumped to the two platforms on the left of me to get some distance.
Rai pondered his next action then shouted, "Faint Attack!"
Sneasel snickered and quickly disappeared.
This time, I stayed calm and called out, "Lightning, hear Sneasel's movements and use Iron Tail when she gets closer!"
The Pikachu nodded and closed her eyes, focusing on any subtle sounds. After a few seconds, she smirked and charged up her tail. She then swung her body to the right, right when Sneasel reappeared. The Dark type was hit in the face and flung backwards, into the air. Unfortunately, she was able to recover and landed on the center platform. She began to pant from the super effective attack.
"That was so cool, Summer!" Rai happily shouted. "Sneasel, let's try this. Icy Wind!"
"Lightning, dodge and use Thunderbolt!"
Sneasel jumped up and unleashed the Ice type attack. Lightning quickly moved to the center platform, easily dodging the wave of ice. She then jumped up as well and unleashed a powerful lightning bolt. Sneasel tried to dodge, but her speed was diminished due to the lack of running surface. The Dark type felt the Thunderbolt coursing through her and fell into the water. As Lightning landed back on the center platform, Sneasel floated to the surface, unable to move.
"Sneasel is unable to battle! Lightning wins!"
"Great job, Lightning!"
She smiled at me. "Thanks, Summer!"
Rai calmly returned his Pokémon and laughed. Looking at my confused face, he explained, "I'm having so much fun battling you, Summer, I don't want it to end. But my strongest Pokémon wants to have a turn. Get ready, here comes Electabuzz!"
A yellow bipedal Pokémon with black stripes and two yellow antennas jumped out of his Pokéball and onto the center platform. He beat his chest with his hands and smirked at Lightning.
[Electabuzz, the Electric Pokémon and the evolved form of Elekid. When a storm approaches, it competes with others to scale heights that are likely to be stricken by lightning. Some towns use Electabuzz in place of lightning rods.]
"Nice to see you again, Lightning," he growled in a deep tone.
She nodded firmly. "Likewise, Electabuzz."
After the screen updated, the referee shouted, "Battle begin!"
"Electabuzz!" Rai shouted, eager to keep going in the battle. "Thunder Punch!"
As the larger Electric type charged his right hand, I knew Lightning couldn't make a counterattack.
"Lightning, dodge with Quick Attack!"
She nodded and leaped onto the platform to my right, narrowly avoiding the Elemental Punch. Electabuzz gave an annoyed growl but stayed on the center platform.
"Electabuzz, use Swift!" Rai shouted, waving his arm forward. The Electric Pokémon waved his arms as well and created ten glowing white stars, which shot forward at the Pikachu.
Remembering Swift always hits the opponent, I commanded, "Lightning, stop them with Thunderbolt!"
She nodded and attacked the stars with a lightning bolt. When the two attacks made contact, a small explosion occurred, creating a black cloud that covered the field.
Rai laughed and said, "Thanks for the free cover, Summer. Electabuzz, use Thunder Punch!"
Footsteps headed towards Lightning's location and then, she flew out of the cloud as it disappeared. She cried in pain but recovered and landed on the platform on my left. Although the move was not effective, she began to pant. Electabuzz saw his opponent getting tired and chuckled.
Lightning's taking more damage than I thought… This doesn't look good.
She saw my worried face and reassured, "Summer, I can keep going. Remember what we told Pika?"
Her determination made me smile. "You're right. These battles will be your last as a Pikachu, and we should make the most of it. We'll think of something."
Rai noticed our little pep talk. "Looks like you're thinking of something big. I can't wait! Electabuzz, Swift!"
The Electric Pokémon roared and shot ten more stars at her.
Remembering a strategy I did against Sabrina, I smiled and shouted, "Lightning, dodge using Quick Attack!"
Lightning smiled and jumped around the platforms with the stars following her every move. Rai and Electabuzz watched in confusion until Lightning slammed into her opponent. Despite the head on attack, he was able to brace the attack. But she ran to the platform in front of Rai, the Trainer then watched in amazement as the Swift hit its user, causing Electabuzz to kneel in pain. As the Pokémon slowly stood up, he softly smiled at the Pikachu, who returned to the platform on my left, acknowledging the improvements since their last battle. We saw both our Pokémon tiring and knew the battle was almost over.
Rai commanded, "Electabuzz, Thunderbolt!"
I countered, "Lightning, Thunderbolt too!"
Both Electric types charged their attacks and fired, causing another explosion and cloud to cover the field. Ignoring the hard to see conditions, we shouted in unison, "Thunder Punch!"
Two bursts of yellow appeared in the cloud and jumped towards each other, colliding and fighting for control. Suddenly, the electricity disappeared as two thuds echoed in the stadium. When the cloud dispersed, the two were slammed into the walls: Electabuzz on the east and Lightning to my left. They broke free from the debris and fell onto the border of the arena. The Electric types painfully stood up and smirked, acknowledging each other's strength. Then, the black and yellow Pokémon collapsed, unable to move.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle! Lightning wins, and the winner of this match is Summer from Littleroot Town!"
After taking a few breaths to recover from the tense battle, I ran over to Lightning who almost collapsed herself. I picked her up gently and whispered, "Great job, Lightning."
She grinned and exhaustingly climbed onto my shoulder. "Thanks, Summer," she said with an affectionate nuzzle.
I then walked over to our opponent, who was comforting a disappointed Electabuzz. I extended my hand and said, "Thanks for a great battle, Rai."
Despite the loss, he happily shook my hand and responded, "Thank you, Summer. I had so much fun! The result will be different the next time we battle."
"We'll see, Rai!" We both laughed and left the arena through the tunnels we came through earlier.
After dinner…
"Congratulations, Summer!" my parents praised during our call at the Pokémon Center. Ariel and Lightning joined me, and we spent almost an hour talking about the Indigo League.
"Making the Top 8, what an achievement!" my mom exclaimed.
Ariel laughed. "Yeah, and every battle she had was so intense, it could have gone either way."
My dad softly smiled. "I'm proud of you, Summer."
I held back some tears. "Thanks, Daddy." Then I remembered, "Are you going to tell me about the surprise you mentioned earlier?"
They laughed. "No, not yet, dear," my mom replied. "But it will happen soon, I promise."
"Okay… It's getting late, and they have posted the next matches now."
"All right, good night, Summer," my dad said as he and my mom waved goodbye.
The three of us waved as well, and I ended the call.
"So who do you think you're going to battle next?" Ariel asked.
I thought about it. "Well, I have no idea… I know Enoch, Weldon, and Mac made it through. I kind of feel bad for Candy. She narrowly lost to Enoch."
Ariel nodded. "Yeah, she drank so much iced tea, she almost needed help getting back to her room. But she'll be okay though."
"You're right."
Suddenly, an announcement came through the Pokémon Center's speakers. Congratulations to all of the Trainers who made it to the Top 8 in the three divisions! Now comes the long-awaited full 6 on 6 battles that will occur for the remaining duration of the League. We will now announce the brackets, starting with the junior division, on the television screen above the reception desk.
All the Trainers in the lobby anxiously waited for the screen to change as we walked to the lobby. After a few seconds, the bracket appeared, showing the eight Trainers. To my shock, I saw my face next to Weldon's.
"I…I'm battling Weldon…?" I stuttered. Ariel was just as stunned as I was. "I…I need to take a walk…"
Ariel automatically nodded as I rushed outside and walked towards a nearby park. Once I found a green bench, I sat on it and moaned to Lightning, "Why does it have to be Weldon?"
"Why?" she asked, confused. "I thought you wanted to battle him."
"Yeah! But not this early!" I sighed and looked at the worried Pikachu. "I guess we have no choice, do I?"
Suddenly, a black-haired teenager with a red hoodie and black jeans walked towards us. He looked powerful, and the air of confidence and cockiness supported that. "Summer Scorcher," he said in a slightly deep tone, hiding his disdain. "We finally meet."
I looked at the stranger. "Who are you?"
He chuckled. "How silly of me to not introduce myself. I'm Stanley Leland. I believe you know my half-brother, Weldon."
"Br-Brother?!"
"Half-brother," he sternly corrected. He then cleared his throat. "I can see you're distressed about Weldy, so I have a proposition for you."
I was hesitant to hear it. I don't trust him. Especially since he said 'Weldy'… Is that the reason why he hated that nickname?
"I want you to throw the match."
Pokémon: Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Fire Punch, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick; Sky Uppercut- learning
Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Peck
Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Ice Punch
Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch
Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder
Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think of the battle?
Will Summer throw the match?
How will Summer fare against Weldon?
