Chapter 22 - Puré Gummy Candies
It had been a few days since Yurie's contest in Lavender Town. Yuta and Reina broke off from the group so they could train privately, and now Logan, Yurie, and Seshiru were on Route 10 where they were looking for Seshiru's next Battle Frontier challenge.
"I'm looking for the Battle Dome," Seshiru said while she read the information from a device that looked similar to Yurie's PokéNav. Although it was autumn and beginning to cool, she still wore her overalls with the legs cut into shorts and her purple midriff top. The weather didn't seem to affect her.
"Do you know what kind of battle you're getting into?" Logan asked. He now opted to wear a long sleeved black button up shirt, his regular grey jeans, and his usual black hat with the white Poké Ball insignia on the front. He was secretly putting puré gummy candies in his mouth. They were sour and sweet, and he loved them, but if Yurie found out, she'd call him chubby.
But Yurie was also chewing on her own in private. She didn't want to seem like a hypocrite. Being from Hoenn, the cool weather bothered her more than the other two. She changed into a long sleeved red sweater and form fitting white jeans.
"From what I understand, the Frontier Brain uses one Pokémon native to Hoenn and one native to Kanto. That's all of the information that I have though," Seshiru explained. She looked up from her device and tried to get a peek over some of the forest that awaited them. "It'll be over there."
As they got closer to the dome, they could hear it rumbling. On the outside, there was a massive board that displayed the Frontier Brain's battles. The Frontier Brain was a flamboyant man dressed in what appeared to be pink bug costume. His hair was dyed to match the costume, and he had it stylized with multiple ponytails.
The three entered the dome, and Seshiru immediately went to the counter to get signed up. While she did so, Logan and Yurie looked around the lobby where there were dozens upon dozens of pictures of the Frontier Brain.
"Very obsessed with himself," Logan said.
"He could be a coordinator," Yurie added.
Seshiru approached the two while holding onto a ticket with a number printed on it. "So, I can call upon any of my Pokémon that are with Professor Oak if I want to. In fact, they seem to encourage it."
"Do you think you'll make the change?" Logan asked. "They could very well have your information from your previous battles, so it could come in handy to throw a curveball at them."
Seshiru nodded. "And this battle is going to be a double battle. If I use two Water-types, then I'm potentially putting myself at a disadvantage. I think I'll make the change."
Logan and Yurie looked at each other. They were unaware that Seshiru had Pokémon that weren't Water-types.
"The following bout will be a double battle between Dome Ace, Tucker and the challenger, Egawa Seshiru! It will conclude when one side's Pokémon are unable to continue!" the referee announced into the microphone. Tucker's and Seshiru's faces appeared on the screen, and the crowd started to cheer loudly.
"Ahahah! Do you hear it? This crowd! They're all itching to see our match! Ahahah! I bet you're twitching all over from the tension of getting to battle me! But don't worry about a thing! I'm the number one star of the Battle Dome! I, Tucker the Dome Ace, will bathe you in a brilliant glow! Your strategy! Let's see it! The final match! Seshiru versus the Dome Ace, Tucker! Let the battle begin!" Tucker said while he waved around his arms.
Very scripted, Seshiru thought while she drew out her two Poké Balls.
"Go!" Tucker shouted. He threw his Poké Balls forward. One one side appeared a Pokémon that Logan was familiar with, Swampert.
"That takes me back," he said.
But on the other side was something that he had only ever seen in books.
"Arcanine," he muttered while scanning it with his Pokédex.
"Arcanine, the Legendary Pokémon. This legendary Eastern Pokémon is considered magnificent. Many people are enchanted by its grand mane," it chimed.
Seshiru nodded. "Okay. Here we go." She threw her two balls into the air. Poliwrath appeared onto the field, but next to him was a large pink Pokémon with big blue eyes.
"Wigglytuff, the Balloon Pokémon. Their fur feels so good that if two of them snuggle together, they won't want to be separated," Logan's Pokédex chimed.
"I want one!" Yurie squealed.
"I shouldn't judge a book by its appearance, but I am curious what Seshiru has planned for us," Logan said quietly.
"You can make the first dazzling command!" Tucker said into his microphone.
"You got it," Seshiru said with a laugh. "Dazzling Gleam! Let them have it!"
"Wiggly!" her Pokémon yelled out while bouncing forward. She opened her mouth before unleashing a bright light from her body. The bright light took over almost the entirety of the stage, enveloping Arcanine and Swampert.
"Perfect!" Seshiru exclaimed.
"Nuh-uh-uh," Tucker's voice echoed from the microphone.
Finally, the light faded away, revealing Swampert in front of Arcanine. Surrounding the two of them was a blue orb which protected them from any damage.
"I'm familiar with that," Yurie said. She held her Torchic closely and remembered the time that Logan and her teamed up and his Swampert did the same move.
"Now watch the excellence of my Pokémon's teamwork!" Tucker shouted. "Extreme Speed!"
The blue orb faded away before Arcanine jumped forward, landing on Swampert's head. The Water-type wasn't bothered though, but instead, he quickly lifted his head, shooting the Fire-type into the air. A white streak followed Arcanine, and then he blast across the field.
"He's coming in fast," Seshiru said. "Poliwrath, use Waterfall!"
Poliwrath tried to run to get in front of Wigglytuff to use his attack, but Arcanine arrived faster than anticipated. The Fire-type crashed into Wigglytuff, knocking her a few feet back before he landed on the ground and growled at Poliwrath. The Water-type was intimidated, and he lifted his fist, prepared to strike.
"Now!" Tucker's voice yelled.
Before Arcanine could take the hit, he jumped into the air. Then, from behind where the Fire-type stood, a straight stream of mud came blasting, hitting Poliwrath directly in the face. The attack wasn't very effective, but it was strong enough to make Poliwrath waddle backwards slightly while he tried to wipe the mud from his face.
"Those two Pokémon are built for teamwork," Logan said. "They're putting the Mossdeep Gym Leaders to shame."
Poliwrath and Wigglytuff slowly recovered, and they looked at one another. It had been awhile since the two of them had seen each other, let alone team up, and the first few strikes took them by surprise.
Arcanine slowly retreated back, and soon, Tucker's Pokémon were standing side by side, ready for Tucker's orders.
He's waiting for me to make my command, and then he responds depending on what I do. He's a defensive battler, which means that I have to draw him out and trick him, Seshiru thought. "Wigglytuff, use Dazzling Gleam!"
"Easy!" Tucker yelled.
Once again, Wigglytuff released the beam of light from her body. It took over the field, and just like last time, Swampert was quick to defend his partner.
"Extreme Speed!" Tucker ordered, repeating his strategy from last time.
The blue shield faded away, Arcanine jumped on Swampert's head, and then launched himself forward.
"Psychic!" Seshiru instructed.
Poliwrath lifted his arms and then focused his energy. He pointed at Arcanine, and suddenly the Fire-type came to a stop in midair. He started to panic, and then soon enough, Swampert's attack blasted him in the back.
"It worked!" Seshiru exclaimed while Poliwrath dropped Arcanine to the floor. The Fire-type howled from the pain, and Swampert appeared confused by the miscommunication.
"What the-" Tucker groaned. "Grr!"
Even when he's upset, it sounds fake, Seshiru thought. "Now, let's keep it going! Sing!"
Arcanine was close to Wigglytuff, and so he was the target. The Fairy-type waddled forward before she opened her mouth, preparing to serenade Arcanine to sleep.
"I don't think so! Fire Blast!" Tucker's voice called.
Arcanine jumped into the air and then launched his attack downwards. The blast was direct, and it sent Wigglytuff rolling backwards.
"And now Dynamic Punch!"
Swampert exploded from the fire, and he swung his arm wide, prepared to slam it into Wigglytuff as hard as he could.
"Catch it!"
Poliwrath had been prepared a sneaky tactic by Swampert, so he had snuck in close. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front Wigglytuff and then grabbed ahold of Swampert's arm, making sure to not tough the energy that emitted from it.
"If that attack hits, then it'll cause confusion," Logan said.
"Dynamic Punch!" Seshiru ordered.
While still keeping his grip on Swampert's arm, Poliwrath reeled backwards. He then jabbed, but Swampert grabbed a hold. The two remained in a standstill as they tested each other's strength.
As long as they're in that standstill, Tucker can't use his double team attacks. This is perfect, Seshiru thought. "Wigglytuff, target Arcanine! Use Hyper Beam!"
Wigglytuff ran around the two struggling Water-types, and she took in a deep breath before unleashing a beam of energy down the battlefield.
"Fire Blast!" Tucker responded.
Arcanine released another stream of flames, and as it carried on down the field, it got more destructive. Soon enough, the attacks clashed, causing an explosion on Tucker's side of the field. Despite the shaking of the stadium, the two Water-type Pokémon didn't budge.
"Aerial Ace!" said Tucker's voice through the speakers.
From the mix of flames and energy, Arcanine emerged. He darted directly for Wigglytuff, and before Seshiru could give an order, Wigglytuff's body was flung across the field.
"And now Water Pulse!"
Finally, Swampert broke the hold, and he quickly blasted a ball of water at the ground. It exploded and washed over Poliwrath, allowing Swampert to escape. Once again, the four Pokémon divided into their teams, and they all looked cautiously at one another.
We had them for a while, but it looks like Tucker is prepared for almost anything, and his Pokémon are in perfect sync. We're gonna have to think fast if we want to win, Seshiru thought.
"I can see you pondering over your strategy! You're lost in a maze of strategy! 'What to do next?' you wonder! How about I give you a little bit of a push!" Tucker said into the microphone while waving his arms around. "Arcanine, Swampert, use your combination attack! Flamethrower and Water Pulse!"
The two Pokémon got into formation, and Swampert created another ball of aquatic energy within his palms. He jumped into the air before throwing it at the ground, and once again, it exploded into a massive wave.
"Here it comes," Seshiru said, waiting to give a command. She wanted to see what exactly Tucker had planned for the combination attack.
The wave continued down the field before splitting down the middle and turning into walls. It surrounded both of Seshiru's Pokémon before turning into a tornado of water. The flames followed, and it carefully found itself in between the waves, creating a typhoon of fire and water. Slowly, they started to inch in closer towards Seshiru's Pokémon, preparing to do maximum damage.
"Poliwrath, use Ice Punch! Wigglytuff, Hyper Beam at the ground!"
Poliwrath swung his fists as he spun around in a circle. Ice crystalized over his massive mitts, and when the waves came in close, they froze upon contact. Then Wigglytuff stepped forward, and she grabbed a hold of her partner. With one explosion from her mouth, Wigglytuff and Poliwrath rocketed out of the vortex with ease. They landed on the ground outside of the attacks, and they both took in deep breaths as their energy had been drained.
"Now!" Tucker yelled.
Before Seshiru could even see what was happening, Arcanine and Swampert both attacked, sending a mix of flames and mud towards them.
"Psychic!" Seshiru commanded.
In a last ditch effort, Poliwrath raised his hands. The combination of fire and mud stopped in the middle of the air, and Poliwrath fought hard to keep them from coming any closer.
"What?" Tucker asked in a genuinely confused tone.
"You can do it!" Seshiru cheered.
Poliwrath roared as he fought with the two attacks. He focused, and the entire dome began to shake from his energy. With one final battle cry, he tossed the combined attack backwards, nailing Tucker's Pokémon directly. The two Pokémon wailed as they were covered with their own attacks.
"Wigglytuff, use Last Resort! Poliwrath, Dynamic Punch!"
Wigglytuff took a step back and a golden aura started to emit from her body. Slowly, it formed the shape of a star. Poliwrath ran forward with his fist held out, and when he was a fair distance away, Wigglytuff shot out her attack. With his free hand, Poliwrath grabbed a hold of the star and attached it to his fist. Then, he swung, getting a direct hit on Tucker's Pokémon. What followed was an explosion of energy that blinded the crowd. Everyone waited with bated breath while the glow slowly faded away, and when it finally did, only Poliwrath remained standing.
"Arcanine and Swampert are unable to battle! Wigglytuff, Poliwrath, and Seshiru are the victors!"
The crowd was in shock, but slowly, they started to clap for Seshiru until they erupted into a roar.
"She did it!" Yurie cheered while she stood up from her seat.
Logan sat back in shock. His heart was still beating uncontrollably from the psychic attack that shook the dome. "Just how strong is she?"
"You're strong above all; you have a unique charm! In you, I see a definite potential for a superstar like me. I will very much look forward to our next encounter!" Tucker said as he returned his Pokémon and then slowly made his way across the battlefield.
Seshiru joined him, but her short legs made her journey take a little bit longer. Behind her stood Poliwrath and Wigglytuff who were both exhausted from the battle. She smiled at them while rubbing Wigglytuff's ears.
"I bestow upon you the Tactics Symbol!" Tucker announced while holding out a small golden coin with a thick exclamation mark engraved in the middle.
Seshiru took it and looked at it closely before bowing. "Thank you."
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I decided to go with Tucker's English name, because his Japanese name is Heath, so I think that canonically, he'd be from a predominantly English speaking country. I did end up using a lot of his game text for this battle. He kind of has a weird way of speaking that I tried to match though.
That makes three symbols for Seshiru. I think this might have been her easiest battle so far. The next Battle Frontier battle will be against Noland (Datsura), and I think it's going to be quite the challenge for her if you remember what Pokémon he uses.
REVIEWS:
pokemonking0924 - "Another great contest and I'm happy that Reina won despite her nervousness she deserves it, guess this just shows that she and Yuta make a great team. Yurie solved one problem by giving Grotle to Logan so that the grass type can battle to her heart's content, but Yurie still has one major problem Omori. Now that no good pretty boy is spreading rumors that he and Yurie are dating and everyone believes it. Hope the Hoenn native can think of a way out of this mess, maybe during her next contest victory she can make an announcement that she isn't dating Omori or maybe she can get help from her older brother." - The two will meet sooner than later, but we still got a long while with Omori being problematic.
wisdom-jewel - "Oh, Omori would get an earful from Yurie and maybe Yuta if he heard the truth. I wonder if she would do something about it after trying to deny everything. It is interesting that Grotle is going with Logan. I wonder what Pokemon that Yurie would get." - Unless I get any ideas while writing, I'm sure this will be Yurie's team for the rest of the story. I want to establish their personalities as much as possible. That said, some of them will be evolving.
CrescentApple - "Oh wow I had nearly forgotten about Rory. I only realized who he was when Swirlix appeared haha. And dang Reina beat Yurie. That sweater-wearing kid has huge potential. Yuta is training her well. The whole giving Grotle to Logan was unexpected. It was nice though, the way Yurie worded it. So Logan has a Grotle, cool :D BTW I realized who Sora was almost immediately after I reread Kickin it in Kanto :O" - Yeah. Cyan was there when Sora got his starter, and soon enough, Logan will be battling against Sora and seeing just how strong the shy boy is.