Rafe, not a very popular character. If the name doesn't ring a bell, he is a trainer from Larousse City and he appeared in the movie Destiny Deoxys. He is very cocky, a trait he shares with many people from Larousse City. So, I decided to knock him a peg down. Also, stars Sid from the same movie. The guy with Blastoise. If you need more, he had a giant crush on May.
Ash's roster: Pikachu, Gengar, Staraptor, Infernape, Samurott and Lucario.
Location: South City
Enjoy!
Wait. Wait. Sounds easy, right? Thirsty. Hungry. Impatient. Aching muscles. Bored. Two annoying sisters. Fear of movie being started already. Hands clamoring to punch the reason of the delay in the face.
''How much longer, Raf?'' Audrey groaned, slumped against the bench.
"I'm supposed to wait here until Sid comes and I'm already so wound up I'll probably just punch him when he gets here." Rafe gruffed.
''Why don't you try his cell phone?'' Kathryn pursed his lips in a question, offering a suggestion. She too was bored the hell out of.
''You think I couldn't explore that option?'' Rafe gave his sister an annoyed glare.
''Don't know why we still hang out with that loser?'' Audrey drawled.
''I know, he makes our brother look smart in front of Rebecca,'' Kathryn, the naughtier teased. ''Ain't it right, Raf?''
Crimson faced by the revealed secret, Rafe flustered at his sisters. ''Pipe down you two! Rebecca and I are just friends!''
''Right…And I am soon to be Steven Stone's wife,'' Kathryn poked, winking at him.
A minor explosion blown at a distance away saved Kathryn being chastised. The sibling trio grew curious and blinked at one another. It was probably some Pokemon battle taking place nearby. But Rafe as certainly convinced it had something to do with Sid. The bulky fellow would always react prematurely when it came to girls or battles. Maybe this was all it. Put every word into one sentence and you would get:
Maybe he's trying to woo girl with a Pokemon Battle…again.
There was no harm for the group to check it out. Just a quarter of a mile covered, and there they were, at the park, where their expectations turned out to be true. The catalyst for Rafe's exasperation, Sid was engaged in a battle with a stranger. One look at the guy, and Rafe could prove he wasn't from the parts of South City. The girls grew exuberant upon sighting Sid's Blastoise locked in a duel against a fascinating kind they never seen before.
''What is that Pokemon?'' Kathryn mused, fishing out her Pokedex, capturing a snap of the Pokemon.
'' Samurott- The Formidable Pokemon, In the time it takes a foe to blink, it can draw and sheathe the seamitars attached to its front legs."
''Never seen that Pokemon before,'' Audrey awed, her eyes gleaming. ''But it's super cute!''
At that time, both challengers heard clapping. They looked over, spotting the siblings, standing on the steps of the park. Audrey was, as typical of her, much more enthusiastic about it, clapping wildly and hooting while she was at it. Kathryn, on the other hand, did something akin to a golf clap. Rafe, for his kind, was not very much impressed and he kinda looked pissed off.
''Really, a Pokemon Battle while your friends are waiting for over thirty minutes?'' Rafe snarled, taking a prideful stride at the challengers, sisters following suit.
''Oh am sorry, Raf!'' Sid, his friend, brushed his neck laughing sheepishly, like he always did. ''I couldn't just refuse to the challenge this guy made!''
Rafe quickly turned to look over at the challenger, all his resentment driving at him. The stranger was the same age as Rafe, but those eyes were familiar. And a Pikachu on the man's shoulder did remind him of someone, but Rafe just couldn't remember. Maybe it was the duration of the years, or his own swollen pride.
Scoffing, Rafe turned is back, ''Well, then. Finish this quick. I hate getting late to the movies.''
''Damn right I will,' Ash answered instead of Sid, once again gaining Rafe's attention. ''Sorry if I ruined your date.''
''Hmppp..'' Kathryn did her best to suppress a laugh, after a stern glare by her brother.
''Okay now! This gets personal! Blastoise wipe the floor with this guy!'' Sid threw a hand forward, not taking the insult very warmly. ''Skull Bash!'
'Blas!'' the turte crouched with cannons aimed at Samurott, its head taking a well polished glimmering under the bright street lamps of the park.
''Nice try,'' Ash quipped. ''Grass Knot!''
A grin etched up on Samurott's visage. Before an exclamation of shock could even leave Sid's lips, two glowing, vibrant green roots shot out of the ground, quickly ensnaring and tripping Blastoise on the ground, the chin taking damage, mostly.
''Toise….''
''That looks like it hurt…'' Audrey winced.
''Grass Knot?'' Sid grinned, a toothy smile picking up in the corner of his mouth. "But, it's not enough to stop us! Break out with Ice Beam!''
The chilling energy from Blastoise' maw frosted the two vines and shattering them like crystals, making the water type gain an easy escape. Back up, it had to make sure to keep an eye on the ground. The vines were small, but man, they hurt deep.
''Once again, Skull Bash!'' Sid frowned.
Its body taking the repeat, the blue turtle pulled itself into its shell gathering energy to fully smash its head into the other.
Ash ordered a counter. ''Samurott, Sacred Sword!''
A swing of the glowing large horn naturally gathered all the fighting spirit it needed to fend off against the large tortoise, that had closed in, face-to-face with Samurott. A twist of his hips just eluded the fierce drill. Samurott took this opportunity to cry out, swinging his large sword down against Blastoise's skull in a lariat.
''Wow, Samurott sure is strong,'' Kathryn awed. ''I have never seen any Pokemon give Blastoise such a hard time before.''
''But, you can sure beat him, can't you, Rafe?'' Audrey turned to her brother, who was too occupied with studying the battle pattern.
The ground broke and tremored in a show of brutality. The sea lion distanced himself from the dusty debris, grinning at his success. Okay, what else you got, Franklin?
Sid scowled, his fists tightening with anxiety. ''Hydro Cannon, Blastoise!''
The dirt began to disperse, what remained illuminated by two large teal orbs before Blastoise's guns. The Shellfish Pokémon crowed with the large shell supporting it for balance, firing the blasts.
Audrey's heart began to pound at the sight of the most powerful known water type move. But the opponent was composed. Brows furrowing, they saw him as he threw his arm up to point towards the sky. "Dodge, with Aqua Jet!"
A torrent burst around the aquatic mammal, as he got uplifted in the air, just as the two pressurized rolling spheres passed underneath Samurott's body.
Already airborne, Samurott peaked, turning into a straight dive towards Blastoise. Huffing and low on energy, Kanto's strongest water type was struck. Skidding back, it dragged its feet across the dirt with grace that did even his vulnerable position justice. That Hydro Cannon had been exhaustive, but if the opponent is whacking it with an Aqua Jet, then something he needed to be thrown in the fray.
This upset was beginning to wear on Sid's pride. Just how strong was this guy? ''Use Flash Cannon!''
''Blas!'' Blastoise roared, firing a silver burst of energy from the mouth.
Something raced, and it certainly wasn't Ash heart, but his mind. Too dodge or to fight, were the two options. '' Air Slash, Samurott!''
The overly attached Pokemon complied, tossing his head with a cry and summoning a rushing sphere, that collected the wind around. Setting it free, the orb burst into a fierce air currents that tore across the field.
The highly sharp blades collided with Flash Cannon, causing the lustrous blast to splash and slow, but it continued on its path, stubborn to run down the water type.
''Keep going!'' Ash pressed.
The gust cut deep into the alloy energy, as attack soon began to splinter and lost its momentum completely, dissipating. At last, natural gale won over the Flash Cannon.
Sid's canines bared. How hard could it be to beat this guy?
''If you can't think properly, we'll cut some work for you, Grass Knot!'' Ash outstretched a hand.
''No, Rapid Spin, let's go!'' Sid fought. He wasn't going to let this humiliation get him!
Another pair of vibrant roots shot up, only to claw and reach for their target in vain. By time they surfaced and struck, the target was well above ground, spinning rapidly towards Samurott.
''Alright then, we have something in store for you,'' Ash smirked, time for signature. ''Samurott, Aqua Jet while using Sacred Sword! And spin!''
''Rott!'' the Unovian chanted, ribboning himself into the burst of aquatic veil around is body. The horn stretched itself once again into a glowing sword, used as a lance. And then, Samurott lunged forward, encased in the vicious spinning top, horn first.
''That's new!'' Sid gawked, brimming with jealousy.
Both trainers kept their eyes locked on the spectacle, when the two Pokemon collided.
Over everything else, the explosion could be heard in an ear-ringing crash. Samurott and Blastoise hovered above, their momentum cancelled.
''Ice Beam/ Air Slash!''
Once again, the faceoff of the two attacks resulted in shards of ice scattering all over. The Pokemon glared at one another. Their narrowed eyes met, looks of competitive fury challenging one another.
''Let's give them a final Hydro Cannon!''
Blastoise grinned, gathering power in the two carronades. A risk worth taking, as Blastoise expelled two large torrent balls, hoping they would seal its victory for the evening.
''Really? What have you given us in the first place we actually took?'' Ash quirked a brow. ''Sacred Sword!''
The Sea Lion, streamlined his body, his sharp blade on his horn, neatly slit the two massively powerful water type move into four, furthering knotting Sid's stomach. Gulping, he watched as the Pokemon, dove forward, with the artificial sword brandished.
A terrible, breathtaking pain knocked all of the oxygen from Blastoise's lungs, its pupils shrinking to the size of pin points. It groaned a painful cry, bested by a slice to the chest. The blade even followed through, knocking it upward before gravity took over.
Soon enough, Blastoise hit the ground.
''Blastoise!'' the trainer panicked, leaning forward to peer at his Pokémon. He was disappointed to find that, unsurprisingly, there were swirls in the eyes.
Samurott landed on his legs, huffing, his pride sated.
''Well, this was a walk in the park,'' Ash huffed, recalling his sprightful Pokemon back. Once done, he trailed off from the spot, no reason to wait any longer. ''And I mean that both metaphorically and literally.''
''Hold it!''
A proud dominating voice stopped Ash in his stroll. It was a male, but not the puffy barfing voice of the loser he just beat. Ash lazily turned around, spotting Rafe had stood up in front of Sid.
''I don't want any,'' Ash yawned.
''Any of what?'' Rafe questioned, rasing a brow.
''Whatever bullshit you're peddling.''
''How about you take me on?'' Rafe challenged. ''I'll give you a real battle, and stomp your giant ego.''
''Take me on?'' Ash chuckled. ''Bro, you gotta soften up. You sure you wanna skip your romcom movie for this?''
''We still have an hour,'' Rafe retorted. ''I can understand if you want to take a rain-check.''
Turning back fully, Ash once again to his place at the park, now tossing a capsule in hand. A 'no' to Pokemon Battle, is a 'No'' not found in Ash's vocabulary. ''Well, hope you don't blow it like panda there.''
''Hey!'' Sid seethed upon name calling.
''This won't take long,'' Rafe pilloried.
''Show him Raf!'' Sid whistled, seated next to the twins. ''My man's gonna put you in trouble!''
Rafe sweatdropped.
''Well, it's legal now so who am I to judge,'' Ash shook his head, letting the Pokeball lose. "Gen-Gengar!" The ghoul appeared, sporting his characteristic big, toothy grin.
''Wait a second,'' Ash squinted his eyes at his Pokemon, examining his features. From what he gathered, it was the Gengar he had caught in Vermillion City, the one haunting Professor Cerise's lab for years. Splendid! For once, Henry did he job accurately to identify the one between the two Gengar. Ash deeply loved the other Gengar too, but he wasn't in the mood for the pranks right now.
Taking a deep breath, Rafe chucked his own Pokeball forward. "Claydol, let's go!"
The Pokemon spun, revealing his large eye to size up Gengar.
And just as Ash suspected, Rafe didn't have to put a lot of thought in his choice and had just opted for the classic 'Type Advantage' strategy. Claydol being part Ground Type part Psychic Type was a threat to Gengar's Poison Type Ghost Type, but those worries were long buried.
"I hope he has something up his sleeve because Claydol is very powerful, and if he underestimates it, he'll regret it." Kathryn hummed.
''Let us throw you a bone,'' Ash took a lead. ''Trick Room!''
Cackling, Gengar concentrated directed his psychic powers on the surroundings. In a split second, time seemed to freeze. At that moment, what appeared to be a transparent blue ceiling, along with walls, covered the small battlefield. The two Trainers and their Pokémon were trapped inside the Trick Room from the view of the passers. It was a very small cube they were encased in but the size was sufficient.
''I can't believe you lost to this guy, Sid.'' Rafe cocked his lips, "Gyro Ball!''
Ash got a nod from Gengar, also noticing the movement of the Clay Doll Pokémon on the field, though back turned, was similar to a nod.
Claydol practically teleported to the other side of the field upon receiving the order. Arms of the legend, seemed to have extended out a bit as the ends of them started to glow a bright blue color. Claydol then spun swiftly enough that a luminescent ring around its rapidly rotating form was made in effect from the bright ends of its arms. It started to move towards Gengar while keeping its high spin in effect. Remarkably, it still moved in its notably slow speed at attacking, but due to Trick Room's properties, Gengar's pace was a bit slower than the Doll's. However, he still had some powers up his sleeve too.
It looked like Claydol tackled into Gengar, but as if it just went passing through a ghoul spirit. Gengar churned his body into intangibility, menacingly snickering as Claydol's efforts went through thin air.
''What!'' Rafe gasped. ''Teleport and Gyro Ball once more!''
''That's a new tactic in never guessed Rafe would use,'' Kathryn remarked. ''He's playing this defensively while switching into offense.''
Sid's gaze lingered on to the battle for a while longer. No way even Rafe could beat this new guy. He's way too strong.
Claydol spun into Gyro Ball, building up power. It skillfully used Trick Room's power to teleport and ultimately knock Gengar from behind, making the ghoul trip on the ground. This only made things bad, as Gengar stood up, badgering Ash for a retaliation.
Message received loud and clear. ''Have it your way, Ice Punch!''
Odd spectral powers that wouldn't be affected by the effects of Trick Room, Gengar vanished out of sight. Claydol got a tasts of its own medicine, as Gengar sprung from its side, jabbing into the Doll's muddy hide with a frosty hook.
Chiming into pain, Claydol was sent spiraling.
Rafe scowled, bored with the ongoing shuffle. ''Psyshock!''
Ash combated. ''Counter with Shadow Balls!''
Dark violet orbs met the psychic bolt in the center of the field. The clash of mysterious supernatural powers burst into explosion, and thankfully, the Trick Room was a perfect barrier, to not let the debris resulting out.
''Ancient Power!''
This wasn't going to be Claydol's finest attack, but this would raise all of its stats at once! No, wait-
It was too late. Trick Rooms effects were still leud, as the freshly created rocks began to sail towards Gengar gaining no distance towards their target whatsoever. To put the whole thing into words, Ancient Power had also increased Claydol's speed stat and currently, Gengar was the slower of two.
''Redirect With Psychic!''
The two eyes of the spectre lit with psychic energy gaining full control of the rocks. Now he was the boss, and they would do whatever he please to do with them. How about, lobbing them back to the sender. The stones burst with ferocity on Claydol, earning a painful cry in some ancient code.
''Gyro Ball to get rid of those rocks!'' Rafe grimaced.
''Here's something you don't see often, Ice Punch!''
The psychic type began its gyration, causing the rocks to fly in all directions. Some even pounding against the walls of Trick Room. However, just as it was about to strike, Gengar inexplicably phased into the ground before appearing under the levitating Spinning Claydol, and punch the bottom of the top with a chilly fist.
Thanks to Trick Room, Claydol wasn't even spinning at best. Ice began to spread on the entire body, and before the minute passed, Claydol was coated in ice, knocked out.
With Gengar celebrating, Ash would certainly think his job was done, as he drew out the Pokeball that Gengar was occupied in. With him, Trick Room faded, letting air once again flew its course on the battlefield.
Baring his fangs, Rafe recalled his Claydol too, qickly grabbing another Pokeball and enlarging it. Two replacement capsules were lobbed forward, splitting out to open, releasing their respective Pokemon. Two flying types took to the air, gliding the wind.
''Star!'' Staraptor squawked, glares directed on another bird. Features defined the Pokemon was a natural predator like himself.
''Brai!'' the Kite cawed, his eyes too fixated on Staraptor.
A predator's biggest threat, is always another predator. Braviary would always think he was the king of the skies, and was not inclined to share the crown. They caw at each other, as warning shots but both, none intimidated.
It's time to launch the first defensive volley. They spread their wings, brace their talons, sharpen their beaks, looking just for a signal to start the battle.
''Go! Braviary, Crush Claw!''
''Close Combat!''
The birds dive bomb at one another, starting a mid-air war. This whirling is a display of dominance, force and bravado. They scratch, poke, ram and slap wings with one another. The birds climb higher, ready for another round.
''Aerial Ace!'' Both trainers called in unison.
This is an aerial game, and neither bird blinks. The birds took a few winds behind, only to lunge forward and dash at each other. Staraptor, more acrobatic, emerged unhurt, and decied to move on.
''Brave Bird!'' Rafe hollered.
''Heat Wave!'' Ash frowned, noticing Braviary was already blazed with bright blue flames. Staraptor was ready, assaulting the air with tremendous heat. His wing beats became more furious, whipping the white-hot winds of Heat Wave into a wild, blistering tempest. Unruly winds lashed out, obstructing Brave Bird, making Braviary lose his course. Zooming was such a struggle in the hot gales, which was powerful by the second. Explosion occurred, and Braviary was sent spiraling on the ground.
''I don't think Braviary will last very long,'' Kathryn examined the battle.
''It has reached the limit,'' Sid muttered grimly.
''You don't what to see him lose, do you?'' Audrey asked worriedly.
''Just stating what we see…''
''Braviary, stay strong!'' Rafe screamed frantically. ''Use Steel Wing!''
Before he could, the valiant Pokemon recovered his senses. Jerking his pace, the eagle vanished. Ash could have sworn he saw the Braviary's two extremities hardening with steel white. It became reality when Staraptor's front was assaulted with an unforeseeable wing, as Braviary progressed through him.
''Staraptor, use Aerial Ace!''
''Wait for it!'' Rafe grinned, under the impression, he had turned things in his favor.
''Crush Claw!''
And the feared took place. While Staraptor was careless to just blitz, Braviary had craftily held his sharp talons defensively. Beak missed, but Staraptor was raked in the face, once again howling. Luckily, the eye portion was spared. But Rafe made a small error too. He forgot Braviary to gain distance and as a result-
''Close Combat!''
For once, it was Braviary who was overwhelmed by the fury of another. Battering Braviary with a barrage of heavy wings and sharp talons, the bird established that it was by no means lightweight, despite its light bones.
''Take it down! Steel Wing!'' Rafe shouted.
Braviary retected his head, tired and hurt from the rival's continuous onslaught. He hardened his wings into thick gliders, ready to smash them into Staraptor, this time ensuring the neck region would be the first slaught.
''Brave Bird!''
Flapping his wings mightily to fly higher, the bird eventually folded his limbs, headed straight for Braviary. Coated in that familiar aura, the velocity had upraised, had Staraptor advanced through Braviary.
An explosion rippled through the skies, igniting it with thick smoke. Smoking like a chicken, Braivary falled on the ground, sprawled undignified.
Battling as if the territory was safe, Staraptor took a victory lap in the sky, squawking as if sending a message to all the Bird Pokemon around. Ash cracked a grin, recalling the Pokemon back.
''Listen,'' Ash whistled at the other trainer, ''You have your plans, I have mine. And Taco Pizza is a huge commitment. So let's finish this!'' Ash threw his last Pokeball forward.
''Infernape!'' The simian made his appearance, who grinned, hunched forward.
Rafe couldn't decide what hurt more – his pride or the fact that the new guy was making him look like a dope, in front of family nonetheless! Returning the immobile Valiant Pokemon, Rafe made up his mind. He just had the perfect Pokemon to take on the ape.
With a backhand throw, Rafe chose his champion to battle Infernape. A Blaziken emerged with a shrill cry of its own, somersaulting through the air before landing, flames erupting on its fist, burning brightly as it faced Infernape.
''Alright!'' Sid jumped from his seat. ''The real battle just got started.
''All Rafe needs to do is straighten out his hopes for win!'' Audrey beamed.
''Be sensible guys! Even if Blaziken manages to defeat Infernape, how will he fare against Gengar and Staraptor.'' Kathryn reworded. ''You just saw them flat out Rafe's toughest right?''
Catching sight of the large flame on the monkey's head, Blaziken could only exhibit huge respect, but alas this was a Battle, and it was obligated to fulfill its master's wish. While the primate was smaller in size, it looked ready to rumble when pride was on the line.
''So, let's get a move on! Thunder Punch!''
''Naape!'' Shrieking, Infernape lunged, covering his fist in crackling golden static. With Blaziken in striking range, he sprung off his hands closing the distance between himself and the chicken in a single bound.
''Bounce!'' Rafe threw a hand out.
Infernape could only punch an afterimage, as the Blaze Pokemon's powerful legs made it vault in the sky, heading down with aided gravity, a split leg open to crash on Infernape's face.
''Dig!''
Why stand still when you have the whole earth to disappear into. Infernape struck the earth, excavating a hole to disappear into. Blaziken, no longer in sight of its target, backflipped out of its own assault, scanning the ground for one tiny movement of its opponent.
The ground that rumbled below alarmed Blaziken, and as naturally, Infernape popped out from the ground, delivering a huge blow to remember. Feet skidding, Blaziken stopped, grazing his face where the punch was received. Ok monkey, so you want some combat?
''Quick Attack!''
''Blaz….Blaz….Blaz….!'' the fully evolved starter huffed, sprinting with blinding speed to close the distance between him and Infernape.
'' Acrobatics!''
It hardly took Infernape even a second to double his speed compared to the fellow fire type. Before Blaziken could make any contact, Infernape slammed his fist down onto Blaziken's head, sending a shockwave surging through his body. Blaziken wobbled back from the super-effective move, surprised to know his foe also had his own bag of tricks.
''We can't underestimate you that's for sure! Fire Spin!'' Rafe growled.
Beak parted, a cyclone of sire was spewed forward, bursting forth in line of the retreating Infernape.
''Good Call,'' Ash snickered. ''Too many lost for that reason.''
Flipping into action, Infernape and his trainer alike failed to predict what the adversary had in mind. Around him was a large loop of fire, flames danced and leapt in the air, reaching hungrily for anything that they can consume to fuel their wrath.
With a smirk widening into a grin, Rafe followed ''Quick Attack into Blaze Kick!''
Bounding with erupted feet, leaving embers behind the trail he made, moving extraordinarily fast. With feet heated in red hot flames, Blaziken started his barrage of attacks. His feet were creating a non sop waves of roundhouse kicks, which Infernape was hardly able to intercept one or two. The primate was able to hold off his own, but scars on his chest were beginning to show.
''Latch your tail to his leg!'' Ash made an unanticipated call.
''Nape!''
Just as Blaziken's leg was lifted for another kick, the Fire Monkey's strong tail twined the limb, leaving the Blaze Pokemon left out on one leg, limping to get away.
''Let's take them for an underground ride! Dig!''
''Nappee!'' Chattering with equal rapture, Infernape dove into the surface, towing the wailing Blaziken along with it into the Earth. Bruises and scars began to scathe Blaziken's skin, constantly damaged by the pebbles and rocks underground.
They burst back out, one excited, the other behind on the verge of losing his consciousness.
''Ths couldn't be happening!'' Rafe did his best to salvage the situation. ''Pick yourself up!''
Fuddling around, with no sense of direction, Blaziken stood, hands drawn to still continue the fight. His vision told him there were two Infernape standing in front of him, while mind knew it was one.
''Fire Spin!''
The ball of flames appeared once again in Blaziken's inside, but Ash had other plans to finish. ''Flare Blitz!''
"Infern!" Infernape quickly dropped onto his back, spinning wildly on his shoulders. His ordinarily vibrant red head flame ignited with a scalding shade of blue, before wrapping around his body. Before the wobbling Blaziken could fire, Infernape was already upon him. With impressive strength and speed, Infernape cometed right through Blaziken, bringing an end to the suffering.
''Blaziken!'' Rafe looked on in horror, slowly as his Pokemon collapsed, drained away from vitality.
''Blazzzz….'' The large humanoid moaned in deep sleep.
''Rafe lost….'' Audrey sulked, mouth covered to hide her shock.
''Hmmm…..'' Ash mused, rubbing his stomach…''Suddenly I got this craving for chicken….'
Another Week! Another chapter!
If I keep going at this rate, Hoenn arc and Kanto Elite Four will be done by October this year.
Ooopss…Looks like I slipped a Spoiler.
I'm zipping up now.
Next on Back in Action:-
Katie
Elite Four Drake
Juan/ Wallace
Morrison
Brendan Birch
See you Next Week!