Traveling though Azalea Town, many of the inhabitants and Slowpoke who seem to be enjoying the day and lounge wherever they could. Ayame had to ask, "Why does this town have so many Slowpoke? And signs warning about Slowpoke?"
Arthur quickly responded, "That can be answered with an old local legend. See long ago, roughly 400 years ago or so, this town was suffering from a rather devastating drought. With no rain in sight, it would seem that they were doomed and would be forced to abandon the land. Then out of the blue a Slowpoke appeared, sitting on top of the highest ridge line and started to yawn. Almost as if called by Slowpoke's yawning, the entire area was drenched in a downpour. The people rejoiced and were grateful to the Slowpoke that they idolized them and created a well just for them to live in. That well we pasted getting into town, the one with that scene, that's the very same well."
"Well, I don't know about a yawn summoning rain, but I don't doubt Slowpoke have the capability to summon rain via Rain Dance like any other Pokémon."
Taiichi nudged Mizuki's arm, "Yeah that seems like something a movie writer would make up for a happy ending. Our parents would probably launch a more scientific investigation into it if they actually believed in such myths."
"That's just it. Sometimes the scientific can't always explain it." Arthur deftly walked over a Slowpoke group without looking, "And no matter the myth, there will always be an ounce of truth hidden by the years of alteration via oral teachings. Like people who try to blame Absol's for natural disasters."
"When it's just their highly sensitive horn signaling to them about the disaster and their conflicting need to avoid humans and warn them of the oncoming danger." Taiichi apologetically chuckled, "My parents were able to get an Absol to trust us enough that we were able to enter his territory."
Arthur pointing to one of the nearby houses, "And here we are." The house was like a number of the older houses in this town, a more traditional styled build, though there was also a smaller house attached by a walkway and rooftop with a smokestack that just started to smoke up. The front gate opened as a little girl in a pink shirt and skirt with two pigtails and ribbons walked out with an empty basket. "Hello Maisy. Is your grandpa inside?"
"Arthur! Sorry, but grandpa is busy filling out an order for someone. He's going to busy at his forge for quite a while."
"I see." Arthur turned back, "Looks like we'll just have to visit later then. Sorry about that."
"Hey when you come back, can I play with Dawnlight?"
Arthur rubbed Maisy's hair, "Sure thing. But you should go and finish your errands. I think by the time you finish we'll have gotten our other business finished too."
"So I guess we're off to the Azalea Town Gym then."
Maisy pointed to the large dome at the outskirts of the town, "You can't miss it. But the Leader might not be there. He can be very busy at times from what I hear."
Reaching the dome revealed the inside to be a massive greenhouse with trees and plant life that made it a bountiful forest not too dissimilar to the surrounding forests. Ayame looked to Taiichi and Mizuki, "So is this another Grass Gym?"
The two of them were just feeling the air for a moment, letting the feel of the place hit them. "The conditions for the forests are stellar. Everything growing to their fullest, however if this was a Grass Gym specialized plants and flowers would be growing."
"I can see the more common plant life here and though this doom is like a greenhouse but why leave such open spaces and the foliage intermingle? No this isn't a Grass Gym, this is…" A swarm of Butterfree, Beedrill and Ledyba started to fly around as more and more appeared, "Bugs." A shiver went down Taiichi spine.
Arthur slapped Taiichi back, "What's the matter, not afraid of a few insects are you?"
"What me? No of course not." Muttering quietly, "Just the compound eyes, mandibles, and unnaturally hairy ones weird me out is all," before quickly shouting, "Come on, there should be nothing to worry about in here!" As they continued though the greenhouse, Taiichi tried to get his mind off some of the insects around them, "So, Monica, what was it that Karla wanted to tell you?"
Mizuki checked her Xtransceiver now for her message. She left a text now and it looked rather serious. "Wait, when and who…?"
"What is it?"
She put up a smile, "Don't worry about it. I just have something extra to do in Goldenrod City on my own. I just didn't think someone would… Never mind. Let's focus on getting you that Gym Badge first."
"Are you sure? I mean we can come back later if this is a serious matter."
She smiled, "Thanks, but it's not there just yet. By the time we get there, I'll probably have to confront it. So don't worry about me for now. Just worry about defeating this Gym Leader."
Ayame turned to Taiichi now, "So do you think this Gym Leader could help out with our Pokémon?"
"Gym Leaders are specialist in their respected type. And three Pokémon we seem to have the biggest problem with are our Bug Pokémon. I'm sure this Gym Leader will provide some assistance or advice for us to use."
Continuing further they found a kid with short purple hair, a green camper shirt and short shorts feeding some of the bugs. "There we go. All the nutrition needed for growing cocoons and larva to become big strong insects."
"Are you Azalea Town's Gym Leader?"
He turned back to them, "Yep. And I'm assuming there's a challenger among you." He picked himself up and a large bug catcher's net that had a Poké Ball situated at the mouth. "The name's Bugsy."
"The Walking Bug Encyclopedia? That Bugsy?" Mizuki clamored.
"That's what they call me."
"Oh wow, we've seen some of your lectures, through a webcast, but still you're one of the youngest leading members in the field of Bug Pokémon."
"You're discovery of Fury Cutter was inspired."
Arthur started to laugh, "It's like I'm seeing two completely different people here."
"More like their scholarly aspects are showing off again." Ayame put out her hand for Joltik to climb onto. Ayame cleared her throat to grab their attention before they started to talk more any other scientific discussion, "Before the match, we have a few problems that a bug expert such as yourself could help clarify."
Bugsy quickly rushed to Ayame seeing Joltik in her hand. "Interesting. A Joltik. It's been some time since I've seen one up close." Joltik wanted to retreat back into Ayame's hair, having already scooted back up her arm from Bugsy's rather quick approach to her. "Don't worry little one." Bugsy let his catcher net slide onto his shoulder, pulling out a small battery from one of his many pockets. "Here see, nothing to worry about." A Caterpie and Weedle climbed onto Bugsy's shoulders to show there was nothing to fear. "We're all friends here."
Joltik slowly crawled back down, sapping the electricity out of it. "She is very reclusive around others."
"I can see that. Well from what I can tell, you are doing everything to help Joltik out of her shell. She just needs more time and a lot of care."
Ayame pulled out her Net Ball, "We also have two others that we could use your insight on."
Beedrill was released now, and though they were on relatively modest terms, she still had hierarchy matters to iron out with Joltik. Normal trainers don't handle Pokémon physically, and with Joltik in her hand, Ayame had to have Beedrill stand down by putting out her Net Ball to stop her. "I see. Was this Beedrill a matriarch of a swarm?"
"That obvious?"
Bugsy returned to his bag, "As a matriarch, hierarchy and order are their keys to a functioning hive. Being stripped of her former role to maintain order over a swarm, she is trying to fill the void by enforcing your rule as the new matriarch. That's from what I can tell anyway," Bugsy had pulled out a jar of nectar for Beedrill, though initially hesitant, Beedrill swiped the jar away, "But it also seems that you managed to assert your dominance as matriarch for her to do that." Bugsy even managed to start rubbing behind Beedrill's eyes. "So who was the other Pokémon you needed my assessment on?"
"Oh right." Taiichi pulled out the Safari Ball, "Before that, I have to ask, you don't happen to have any Scyther somewhere in this greenhouse, do you?"
"Scyther?" It took Bugsy a moment to understand but he shook his head, "There's only one Scyther here," patting a Poké Ball on his belt. "Scyther can be rather difficult at times, but once they find a place to call their swarm they can be very protective."
"You see that's the problem," Taiichi walked closer to Bugsy, "Scar was a challenger to a swarm in the Kanto Safari Zone. He never succeeded at winning leadership, but he wasn't giving up. I captured him because he wouldn't let up while I crossed his territory to a field where a herd of Kangaskhan were. We've tried to get him to warm up to us, but he still seems rather distant. He's still easily provoked too, but he does help out, if there's a fight he can get into that is."
"I still need to see him to give my honest opinion." Taiichi was hesitant, but he did so just the same. The moment Scar was out and about, he was scanning the area for the Scyther whose scent he had caught. When it became apparent that the Scyther in question was inside a Poké Ball from the boy with the scent of hundreds of insects, he would provoke the human to release him.
Scar swiped at the human, but Bugsy didn't flinch with the near miss of every attack. "Scar!"
"Don't interfere." Bugsy remained calm, even in the face of this danger. Scar continued to falsely attack, but Bugsy would not budge. "There's little for you to gain in challenging my Scyther here. Yes, it will prove your superiority as a warrior, but little else." Scar finally stopped, "I understand you wish to prove yourself, a Scyther in his prime, but look," turning to Taiichi, "You have a family, friends, those who would fight for you and beside you. What more could you hope for from a swarm besides leadership?"
Scar thought about it, and as much as he wanted to fight against it, he really couldn't wish to have more. Scar raised his scythe up high and slammed it down next to him. "Scy!"
Taiichi had the rest of his team come out now, as Servine tried to get Scar to come back toward them. Scar was slightly confused by Servine's gesture, despite everything he had done, especially that one time during the Pokémon League. Servine noted that it was in the past, and he was just being him. She had a word or two she wanted to say about the incident, but since he was one of them, she was willing to put it aside for now.
Bugsy smiled at the sight of Servine's gesture, "See, what'd I say? Though," stopping Scar, "just remember that if your trainer does decide to challenge me to a Gym battle, I'll more than gladly have my Scyther battle against you to test your might."
Scar nodded, returning to Taiichi's side now with some newfound view of this ragtag group of Pokémon and his human. Charmeleon and Riolu greeted him like a brother, Kangaskhan had her motherly glow about her and Marshtomp just shrugged, though that was just his way of welcoming him back. Mizuki waved to him now, "Don't forget you also have us too."
Ayame nodded as well, though Beedrill and Scar already had an understanding between each other. Bugsy turned to Taiichi now, "So about that Gym battle…" Bugsy started to move through the forest, "let's get to the battlefield to make it official."
An official Gym referee was waiting, "This is an official battle between Bugsy the Azalea Gym Leader and challenger Taiichi for the Hive Badge. Each trainer is only allowed three Pokémon. Only the challenger is permitted to switch Pokémon."
Taiichi's Pokémon weren't in their Poké Balls as they stood around and waited for Taiichi's call. "Normally this is a bit unorthodox for me, but how about we get this over with and have my Scyther battle against your Scar first?"
Scar was more than eager, turning to Taiichi. "Good with me. So long as you're willing to listen to me during this fight." Scar nodded in agreement, stepping onto the battlefield.
"Alright. Now to show off your might. Let's go, Scyther!" Bugsy's Scyther seemed rather tough, possibly a leader to a swarm once before, or he could be the leader to all of these bugs Bugsy gathered in his greenhouse. It became evident to be the latter to be the case as many of the Bug Pokémon from the greenhouse forest came out to watch this battle.
Mizuki whispered to Ayame, "Normally when insects live in a colony or hive they live by a matriarchal sociality. But Scyther are one of the few exceptions, based on a patriarchal social structure similar to lions like Pyroar or Luxray. So things could get complicated if Scar challenges him for leadership and wins."
Bugsy's Scyther made it abundantly clear to both Scar and the surrounding Bug Pokémon, this was a Gym battle, not a challenge of leadership. Scar could live with that, ready to battle whenever Scyther was.
Scyther looked back to Bugsy and he nodded, "Looks like we're all set. So let's start this off with your Fury Cutter!" Scyther flew in low, scythes at the ready.
"Scar, counter his Cutter with your X-Scissor!" Scar stood his ground, blocking Scyther's attack.
Bugsy smiled, "Just as I expected from such an experienced Scyther. Those scars on his body are the telltale signs of his many exploits he's been through. All of his victories, and all of his loses."
"And your Scyther's speed and obvious leadership is evident as well," Taiichi looking to the bugs around them. "A true Bug Master if I have ever seen. And your love for them is apparent as well."
Scyther pushed Scar back as he jumped back to prepare for the next attack. "So enough complements and let's get back into the fight. Scyther, Double Team." Scyther created quite a few doubles now and each took the same stance, ready to strike.
"Come on Scar, you know this technique. Don't trust your eyes alone." Scar closed his eyes, digging his scythes through the dirt and throwing it up into the air.
Ayame knew this counter from Koga's training, even though the Pokémon was moving between all of those places rapidly, the shift in the air can expose their current location. The dust was whisked away toward Scyther. Scar didn't need to hear Taiichi say it, rushing toward Scyther with Slash.
Scyther blocked Scar's attack, exposing himself to his opponent. "It would seem we've underestimated you both. Time to get serious with your Swords Dance."
Scyther jumped back as he started to spin rapidly like a tornado. "We can do the same too!" Scar also started to spin rapidly as well. The two Mantis Pokémon moved toward each other and their scythes clashed one again.
Mizuki looked to Arthur now, "If Taiichi wins, how are you going to challenge Bugsy to a Gym battle? Did you even battle against Falkner?"
Arthur continued to watch, "No worries about me. But we should continue to root for Taiichi."
Ayame could feel Joltik had moved from her ponytail to sitting on top of her head. Despite her own fears of Scar, she wanted to watch the battle between the two Scyther. It could have been because of all of the Bug Pokémon around them or she genuinely wanted to watch the battle, a question whose answer will never fully be explored. Marshtomp looked somewhat jealous, though with his speed he'd never be capable of keeping up with Scyther. Servine noted that even with Taiichi's ability to command wouldn't be able to compensate for Marshtomp's lack of speed. Marshtomp tried to punch Servine, but she moved around him and tied Marshtomp down in her vines asking if he really wanted to fight against her, reminding Marshtomp how easily she's beaten him during training and will continue to do so with this kind of behavior.
Arthur laughed, "Well this is really a family just like Bugsy said."
Scyther and Scar were both evenly matched in power and techniques, but Bugsy's expertise with Bug Pokémon could tip things to their favor. "Scyther, time to take flight!"
Scyther jumped into the air, flying around now. "I think I get what they're doing. Scar, get in the air, but don't get too close just yet." Scar did, uncertain why he'd have to wait now.
"So you noticed our plan then?"
"Nope. Just thought it was rather suspicious."
Bugsy's Scyther disappeared from sight with Scar having just enough time to turn around and block Scyther's strike. Scar seemed impressed that Scyther managed to pull off an attack at such speeds or Taiichi could expect that. Scyther was also impressed by Scar's reaction time, commending him but stating it would take more from them to win.
"Looks like things are really heating up for Scar. I wonder who will win now."
Scar rushed to meet Scyther once again, their scythes clashing once more above them. This was now a fight between the two of them, Bugsy and Taiichi had become spectators now as Scar fought to prove to himself his capabilities.
The fight was rather intense but Bugsy's Scyther was just a bit more experience and found an opening first. With one last clash Scar lost the strength to continue, plummeting down. Taiichi turned to the others, "Kangaskhan!" Servine quickly pulled Kangaskhan's baby out as Kangaskhan rushed over to the battlefield, catching Scar before he crashed into the ground.
Scar was bracing for the ground, though was somewhat surprised to find Kangaskhan there to save him. "Scy…" Kangaskhan just nodded, placing him back down on his feet. He struggled slightly, forcing one of his scythes into the ground for support.
"Scyther is unable to battle. The win of the battle is Bugsy and Scyther."
Taiichi then joked, "And is Kangaskhan my second Pokémon?"
Bugsy shock his head, "No, you were just saving your friend from getting hurt. Your second Pokémon hasn't been set for the match."
"Good," Taiichi looked to his team, "Cause I'm counting on you, Servine."
Scar looked concerned, knowing Servine wasn't exactly going to have it easy in this battle. Servine gave Kangaskhan back her child as she threw her nose up and looked away from Scar, yet despite that she trusted he gave this Scyther a thrashing and she trusted Taiichi above all else.
A/N: Not much to say other than I'm going to have to slow down my postings after next week's update.
