A/N: At the bottom of the chapter, so I don't give any spoilers :)
Pokemon Journey: Indigo League
Chapter 15: Cascading to victory?
Brandon stands in the tunnel leading to the pool, waiting for his cue to enter. He swallows, hoping he's ready this time. He looks out towards the stands, spotting Ava, Melanie, Nidoqueen, and Bill are waiting patiently. He then saw a small orange Pokemon buzzing around the stadium. Taking out his dex, he quickly scans it.
"Rotom, The Plasma Pokemon. Electric/Ghost-type. With a body made of plasma, it can inhabit all sorts of machines. It loves to surprise others."
"Interesting little Pokemon," Brandon mutters to himself.
"He is," A voice agrees with Brandon. Turning his head around, he saw a girl with short, orange hair, tied into a side ponytail. She is wearing a wet suit, with a scrunchie around her ponytail. "He's Camera Rotom, a new invention from the Galar Region. Or maybe they just use it more than other regions. Either way, we use 4 of Camera Rotoms to broadcast the battles. Also, what is up with the name Camera Rotom? Couldn't they call it something halfway decent?"
"That's pretty neat," Brandon replies, putting away his dex.
"Rotoms are very useful Pokemon," she says. She begins walking down a different corridor. "Good luck Brandon."
"Thanks... huh?" Brandon says, realizing what she just said but she already is gone. "That must of been Misty."
Finally, the bells chimes, signaling both trainers to enter the battlefield. The first thing that Brandon notices: The field was different than when Chloe fought. Chloe's battle had four rectangle platforms in a square-like shape. This one has a rock wall in a circular shape, with a few scattered boulders. Next, he's standing on the core of a Starmie painted on the ground. Glancing up, he looks across the pool and sees the same girl, confirming that she is indeed Misty.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have another match between Gym Leader Misty and Gym Challenger Brandon Adams from Pewter City," the announcer calls out to the audience. "So far, Brandon has won the Boulder Badge, though we are told he had to win it in a rematch. According to our records, Brandon only has three Pokemon. He currently has a Squirtle, Tangela, and a Nidoran. Misty is using a lineup of Staryu, Goldeen, and Corsola. Who will he lead with? And who will Misty lead with? Find out now!"
Up in the stands, Melanie whispers to Ava and Bill. "Why is the announcer revealing the lineups?"
"Well, Brandon only has 3 Pokemon, so I think it makes it fair to know both sides," Bill whispers back.
"But why would he reveal Misty's lineup?" Ava wonders.
"Misty doesn't care if trainers know what Pokemon she will be using," Bill explains, watching the two trainers on the battlefield, with the ref walking up to them. "She wants to test on how they will handle them."
The ref walks into the ref box, which is a small platform located on the side of the field. "This is an official gym battle between Gym Leader Misty and Gym Challenger Brandon Adams from Pallet Town!" A ref shouts. He has on a wet suit, holding two flags. "This match will be fought using a three -on – three single battle format and will be over when both of one side's Pokemon are unable to battle! Furthermore, only the challenger may substitute Pokemon. Understand? Let the match begin!"
"Staryu, you're up!" Misty shouts, releasing a Star-like Pokemon, who lands in the water.
Brandon takes out his dex and quickly scans it. "Staryu, the Star Shape Pokemon. Water Type. If you visit a beach at the end of summer, you'll be able to see groups of Staryu lighting up in a steady rhythm."
"Sounds like a cool Pokemon," Brandon says, putting his dex back into his pocket. He unclips a Pokeball before summoning Squirtle. "If she wants a water fight, bring it."
Squirtle materializes in the water as well, feeling completely at ease. Above them, Camera Rotom spins around both Squirtle and Staryu, capturing them swimming.
"This is going to be an interesting battle," Ava says to the others, watching the big screen as Camera Rotoms now takes a picture of both trainers. Around Misty's icon, Staryu lights up the first slot. Around Brandon's icon, Squirtle lights up his first slot.
"How so?" Melanie asks.
"Brandon never trained Squirtle for a water bottle," Ava tells her.
"I don't think you need to worry too much," Bill says, watching as both trainers are about to issue their first commands. "Squirtles are naturals when it comes to the water, either for swimming or battling."
"Good to know," Ava says, watching Squirtle and Staryu's water guns meeting in the middle of the battlefield.
"Staryu, use confuse ray!" Misty commands.
"Squirtle, dive into the water," Brandon orders, hoping that the water will help Squirtle dodge confuse ray.
Squirtle dives headfirst into the nice, refreshing water just as a purple ball goes sailing over the water harmlessly. Staryu immediately jumps into the water as well, looking around for Squirtle. Staryu's core is shining a nice bright red color.
"Staryu, use rapid spin in the water!" Misty shouts.
Staryu begins to spin in place, creating a small water vortex, causing Squirtle to swim against the suction. Brandon knows he has to think of something or else Squirtle will get sucked into it. His brain couldn't come up with anything, so right now, he needs to play a little defensively.
"Squirtle, if you can hear me, use rapid spin to try and get out of the suction zone," Brandon calls out.
Squirtle begins to use rapid spin and swiftly moves away from the vortex. Once safely away from it, Squirtle turns in the water, watching Staryu, waiting for an opening.
"Come on Brandon. Think," Brandon thinks to himself. His eyes wandering around the pool. His vision turns to the two Pokemon in the pool. When his eyes land on Staryu's core, that's when a plan started to form in his mind. "I will get one shot at this. I need to make it count."
"Squirtle, use water gun!" Brandon shouts. He realizes it won't be effective but he needs to chip away at Staryu's health a little at a time.
"Staryu, use water gun as well!" Misty commands. She notices that Brandon has a plan, though she doesn't know what is it at the moment.
The two water guns collide in the middle of the field again, pushing them both back a little. Squirtle adds more power, pushing back Staryu's water gun, forcing Staryu to increase its power to counteract.
"Squirtle, swim towards Staryu," Brandon shouts.
"Staryu, use rapid spin!" Misty counters.
Once again, Staryu begins spinning in place, creating another water vortex, right in Squirtle's swimming path. Squirtle acts immediately, stopping, waiting for Brandon's next order.
"Squirtle, use water gun as a propeller and try to get over the water vortex!" Brandon calls out, much to the surprise of everyone.
Squirtle turns around and uses water gun on the water, shooting into the air. Squirtle was able to get enough height but not enough distance falling towards the vortex.
"Squirtle, dive into the vortex!" Brandon shouts, causing everyone to gasp. Brandon realizes this is a risky call, one that can backfire.
"Folks, Squirtle is diving into the vortex which causes damage to him!" the announcer shouts, standing up in the booth. "What can Brandon be thinking?"
"Squirtle, I believe in you!" Brandon yells, watching Squirtle disappear into the vortex. "Now, use rapid gun!"
Those watching all cock an eyebrow, wondering what sort of tactic this is. People collectively hold their breaths before Squirtle's shell comes shooting out of the vortex at an incredible speed, skimming along the top of water. He shoots past Staryu, turns around, comes out of his shell, and aims the perfect water gun, hitting Staryu in the core, dealing damage.
"Holy moly. That gamble seems to have paid off for Brandon!" The announcer shouts into his headset.
Squirtle tries to get to his feet, struggling a little. He starts to pant, showing he's hurt. Staryu, also, showing its hurt, the core dropping from a bright red colour to a dull red color.
"Squirtle, you alright?" Brandon calls out from the side.
Squirtle nods, finally getting to his feet. He squares off against Staryu.
"Go on the offensive and use tackle!" Brandon quickly orders, hoping to catch Staryu off guard.
"Staryu, intercept with confuse ray!" Misty counters.
A purple ball comes flying at the advancing Squirtle, hitting him right as Squirtle smashes into Staryu. Squirtle looks around the field, trying to figure out how he got there.
"Squirtle, use water gun and aim it for Staryu's core!" Brandon yells out.
Squirtle hears the order but his brain is sending him mixed messages. He opens his mouth and releases a water gun but right into the water.
"Staryu, use tackle!" Misty calls out.
"Squirtle, snap out of it!" Brandon calls out, realizing Squirtle is confused.
Staryu comes spinning right at Squirtle and hitting him, causing the turtle Pokemon to cry out in pain, yet Squirtle is still confused. He fires off another water gun, at what he perceives to be Staryu but misses completely.
"Staryu, use water gun point blank!" Misty calls out.
Staryu shoots a jet of water, hitting Squirtle point-blank, causing Squirtle to fall to his knees, his chest heaves as he struggles to control his breathing. He suddenly has a blue aura around him.
"Squirtle, listen to me. You need to snap out of it and use water gun," Brandon orders.
Squirtle lifts his head, hearing his trainer's voice, snapping him out of confusion. He immediately lets a water gun fly, hitting Staryu straight on the core, causing Staryu to faint.
"Staryu is unable to battle. The winner is Squirtle!" The ref yells, holding up a red flag. "Gym Leader Misty will now summon her second Pokemon."
"Quite the battle so far. Squirtle's torrent kicks in at the right time, allowing Squirtle to beat Staryu!" the announcer calls out, as an X appears over Staryu's icon. "Who will Misty use next?"
"Squirtle, I'm proud of you. Take a rest," Brandon recalls him. He unclips another Pokeball, summoning Nidoran. "I'm counting on you Nidoran."
"Nidoran!" Nidoran roars as she materializes on the rock, glaring at Misty.
"Staryu, you did great. You deserve a rest, return," Misty recalls her Pokemon. She throws out another Pokeball, though this one has a light green color with three small marks entrenched on a red stripe. "Corsola, you're up!"
A pink with a light blue underbelly Pokemon materializes in the water. Brandon, again, takes out his dex to scan it. "Corsola, The Coral Pokemon. Water/Rock type. It will regrow any branches that break off its head. People keep particularly beautiful Corsola branches as charms to promote safe childbirth."
"Interesting," Brandon mutters, putting his dex back into his pocket. He turns towards Nidoran. "This is our first official gym battle together. You ready?"
"Nid!" Nidoran nods though her eyes never left Corsola.
"Great. Let's start off with a poison sting!" Brandon cries out.
Nidoran fires off a purple-like attack, striking Corsola, who's just sitting there, floating in the water.
"Corsola, use aqua ring!" Misty yells.
Corsola creates a translucent blue barrier around itself. Its health came back a little, refreshing it. Corsola smiles, splashing around in the water.
"Corsola, aim for Nidoran's feet with a water gun!" Misty commands.
"Nidoran, jump!" Brandon orders, panicking a little. He's not used to Nidoran's battle style. "While in the air, use poison sting again!"
Corsola fires off a water gun, aimed at Nidoran's feet but the poison pin Pokemon manages to jump at the last second, shooting off a poison sting again, hitting Corsola, though, with aqua ring active, the damage was healed back up. Corsola, meanwhile, manages to take a small chunk off the rock wall, making it a little harder for Nidoran to maneuver.
"Brandon needs to think of something to do," Melanie says, watching as Corsola fires off another water gun, taking off another chuck of the platform.
"Agreed," Ava nods her head. "Brandon's pretty good at coming up with plans on the fly. Lets see what he comes up with this one."
Brandon watches the match before him, trying to rack his brain on how to defeat Corsola. He looks everywhere on the battlefield when his eyes rest on Nidoran. He remembers something that Ava mentioned earlier, about playing to his Pokemon's strengths. He quickly thought back to the times he saw Nidoran fight and that's when it hits him. He smiles.
"Nidoran, you have to trust me alright," Brandon calls out. Nidoran nods, watching Corsola. "Now, jump into the water!"
Nidoran, glancing at her trainer with doubtful eyes, jumps into water, feeling it refresh her. She manages to stay afloat, though she's clearly not feeling comfortable.
"Brandon has Nidoran jump into the water," The announcer screams into the microphone. "What plan does he have up his sleeve?"
"Corsola, use water gun!" Misty commands, trying to figure out Brandon's plan.
"Nidoran, dive under the water and swim towards Corsola!" Brandon commands.
Taking a deep breath, Nidoran dives underneath the water, thus dodging the water gun and swims towards Corsola. Corsola, for its part, tries to look around for Nidoran.
"Corsola, if Brandon wants to fight under the water, fine by us. Dive and use harden!" Misty commands, still trying to understand what Brandon is doing.
"Nidoran, use scratch and then resurface!" Brandon yells, hoping Nidoran can hear him.
Sure enough, Nidoran did hear him and extended her claw before scratching Corsola before swimming upwards, breaking the surface. Corsola, feeling the pain though it's healed for the damage, also resurfaces.
"Corsola, use tackle!" Misty replies, hoping to catch Brandon off guard.
Corsola smashes into Nidoran, who takes damage, though Corsola begins to shake a little, showing that it's poisoned. Misty frowns before realizing why.
"Corsola, you alright?" Misty calls out. Seeing Corsola nod, Misty tries to come up with a plan. Originally, she wanted the aqua ring + water gun combo, to whittle down Nidoran before sending in Corsola to finish the job, but Corsola being poisoned changes that.
"Corsola, use rain dance!" Misty shouts, knowing that Squirtle wouldn't be able to benefit from it. "Use water gun after it!"
A cloud forms above the pool, summoning rain inside, soaking Brandon. Corsola immediately fires off a water gun, hitting Nidoran directly, causing Nidoran to cry out in pain.
"Nidoran, don't give in. Jump into the air!" Brandon calls out.
Nidoran jumps from the water into the air, getting wet in the process. "Now come down on Corsola with a double kick!"
Nidoran, using gravity as a helper, came crashing down on top of Corsola, sending a swift double kick to the back of Corsola. The coral Pokemon cries out in pain, trying to shake Nidoran, who extends her claws and digs in. The poison does damage, though the aqua ring does heal back some of the damage.
"Corsola, dive under the water!" Misty calls out desperately.
"Nidoran, don't let it. Use double kick again!" Brandon counters.
Corsola prepares to dive, when Nidoran extends her legs, smashing into the back again, causing Corsola to abort her dive, fainting.
"Corsola is unable to battle," the ref calls out, holding up the flag for Brandon. "Nidoran is the winner. Will Misty summon her last Pokemon?"
"Thank you for your hard work Corsola," Misty says, recalling her Pokemon. She grips her last Pokeball and summons Goldeen. "I'll be honest Brandon. I wasn't expecting this match to go like this."
"Thanks, I think," Brandon says, pulling out his dex once again, scanning the fish Pokemon. "Goldeen, the goldfish Pokemon. Water-type. Its dorsal and pectoral fins are strongly developed like muscles. It can swim at a speed of five knots."
"Folks, can you believe it? Misty is down to her last Pokemon, while Brandon hasn't lost one yet," the announcer comments on the developments. "Can Brandon finish this match? Or will Misty make a comeback?"
Goldeen began swimming around. Even though the dex said Goldeen can swim at a speed of five knots, this Goldeen seems to be swimming faster, with the rain still coming down.
"Brandon is in a tough spot," Ava says.
"How so?" Bill asks.
"Squirtle is close to fainting, even with rest. Nidoran took major damage with that direct water gun in the rain," Ava explains. "Which leaves Tangela. And it looks like Goldeen has swift swim as an ability, meaning it will be faster in the rain, which powers up its water attacks."
"Yikes," Melanie mutters. Beside her, Nidoqueen roars, cheering for Nidoran.
"Nidoran, can you still battle?" Brandon asks. Nidoran nods, jumping onto the rock wall. "Alright. Be careful. Goldeen is fast. For now, stay on the wall. We will have to wait for an opportunity."
"Goldeen, use water pulse!" Misty calls out.
"Gold!" Goldeen cries out, aiming a water attack with ripples at Nidoran, hitting it. Nidoran cries out in pain before ultimately falling onto the rock wall.
"Nidoran is unable to battle. Goldeen is the winner!" The ref yells, holding a flag for Misty. "Will Brandon bring out his next Pokemon?"
"Will you look at that folks?" the announcer screams. "Misty isn't out of this match just yet."
Brandon pulls out Squirtle's Pokeball and summons him. "Squirtle, I know you are still tired from you earlier fight, but I know you can do it!
"This could be a mistake," Ava mutters in the stand, watching the battle intensely.
"Goldeen, watch out. Squirtle's water gun will be empowered by the rain as well," Misty calls out. "But we are still faster, so lets use that. Use supersonic!"
Goldeen swims underneath the wall, where Squirtle materialized, and comes up the other side to fire off a couple of rings, hitting Squirtle, causing it to become confused.
"Great job Goldeen. Now, use water pulse!" Misty calls out.
"Squirtle, dodge it!" Brandon shouts out.
Squirtle, distantly hearing his trainer's voice, tries to move to the side but falls down. In that second, a water pulse hits him, causing him to faint.
"Squirtle is unable to battle. Goldeen is the winner!" the ref calls out, holding up a flag for Misty again. "Will Brandon summon his last Pokemon?"
"You did great Squirtle. Take a good rest," Brandon says, recalling his partner. He takes out Tangela's Pokeball, summoning him. "Tangela, it's up to you now. I know you can do it!"
"Folks, we for sure have a battle now. Misty was down 3-1 but within a few moves, she pulls even," the announcer screams out again. "It all comes down to this match-up. Goldeen vs Tangela. Who will win?"
"I figured you would have either a grass or an electric type Brandon," Misty calls out. "though, I wasn't expecting a Tangela."
"Tangela is a dependable partner," Brandon calls back. He nods at Tangela. "Ready?"
"Tangela!" Tangela shouts, squaring up against Goldeen. The rain stops, bringing Goldeen's speed back to normal.
"Goldeen, rain dance!" Misty shouts out.
"In that case, Tangela, use growth!" Brandon cries out.
Rain began to fall once again, allowing Goldeen to zoom around the pool. To counter that, Tangela begins to grow in size a little.
"Tangela, use growth once again!" Brandon calls out. He realizes that, in order to win this match, he has one shot, so might as well try and maximize it.
"Goldeen, come in with a water pulse!" Misty yells.
Tangela grows in size again, storing energy while Goldeen zooms in range and fires off a water pulse, hitting Tangela, damaging him.
"You got this Tangela," Brandon calls outs. He had a decision to make now. He can go for growth again or he can go on the offensive. He looks up at the rain, trying to determine when it will stop but couldn't see any signs. "Use growth once more."
"Brandon has Tangela using growth yet again," the announcer cries out. "We've seen it time and time today that Brandon has a plan. So what is his plan this time?"
"Why is Brandon only using growth?" Melanie whispers.
"Not sure, to be honest," Ava responds. "He must have some sort of idea though."
"He better execute it fast," Bill speaks up. "Goldeen is literally swimming circles around Tangela."
"Tangela, trust me alright," Brandon says, smiling at him reassuringly. "Use stun spore!"
Tangela shakes his vines, releasing an orange powder, aiming it for Goldeen, who just zooms out of the way.
"Goldeen, use peck!" Misty calls out.
Goldeen uses its fin and jumps into the air, angling herself towards Tangela. Both Brandon and Tangela smile, as Tangela simply hopped to the left, unleashing a vine and wrapping it around Goldeen.
"Now use mega drain!" Brandon orders.
"Goldeen, use peck on the vines!" Misty shouts.
Goldeen began to peck the vine, causing Tangela to cry out in pain, before draining some of Goldeen's energy. He eventually releases Goldeen, who flops back into the water. The rain still coming down.
"Both Pokemon scoring a direct hit," the announcer shouts. "Both Pokemon taking damage."
"You alright Goldeen?" Misty asks, noticing that, while the rain is still up, Goldeen isn't swimming nearly as fast. Goldeen, for its part, nods. Misty thinks for a moment before issuing her next attack. "Use bounce!"
Goldeen, using its fin once again, jumps high into the air, hiding in the cloud. Meanwhile, Brandon realizes this is the chance they need.
"Tangela, use growth!" Brandon calls out. "I believe in you. Let it hit you when it comes down!"
"What is Brandon thinking?" the announcer calls out. "Bounce can do a lot of damage, especially to Tangela, a grass type."
Tangela grows in size again, watching the sky. Upon seeing the falling Goldeen, Tangela and Brandon brace themselves, knowing this could backfire. Sure enough, Goldeen smashes into Tangela, causing him to fall to his knees. Goldeen was about to jump back into the water when Tangela whips his vines and wraps Goldeen uptight, using mega drain, restoring his health as Goldeen is sapped of its, even with the aqua ring. Finally, Tangela drops Goldeen in the pool, ending the match.
"Goldeen is unable to battle. Tangela is the winner, which means the match goes to Brandon Adams from Pallet Town!" The ref yells, holding the flag up, just as Tangela faints.
"Tangela!" Brandon runs towards his Pokemon, lifting him up. He took out his Pokeball, recalling him. "You battled awesomely. Take a good rest."
"What an ending," the announcer calls out. "Two risky calls that turned into Brandon's favor. And that will conclude this match."
"Brandon, that was a good battle," Misty says, extending her hand.
"It was," Brandon chuckles, shaking her hand. "This match taught me to never underestimate a gym leader."
"That's a good lesson," Misty says with a smile. She holds out a badge. "For defeating me, here's the Cascade Badge. Congratulations Brandon."
Brandon takes the badge that was shaped like a water drop and places it in his badge case. He put his badge case back in his pocket (his clothes are soaking wet) when Misty holds out two tickets. "Also, here are two tickets to the S.S Anne, which will be in Vermillion City in three weeks."
"Thank you," Brandon says gratefully. "How long is Vermillion City from here?"
"It's about a week's travel," Misty answers him before turning around. She waves goodbye before leaving the battlefield. Brandon takes the hint and rejoins Melanie, Bill, Ava, and Nidoqueen before heading back to the Pokemon Center to get into dry clothes.
A/N: Well, Brandon now has 2 badges. As for the different gym setup, I completely forgot that Cerulean Gym got an update in S/M. Instead of going back to change it with Chloe, I went ahead and used the new design for Brandon. I hope it was a decent battle. As for the style (switching between three different POVs), it was a challenge. I will try it again for Lt. Surge to see if I get better at it and will make a decision if I want to do that for future gym battles. I wanted to try and get some practice in for the Indigo League (provided that Brandon makes it :P). Anyways, have a great weekend!
Edit: Thank you Turbodriver07 for the correction, regarding Misty's Corsola. :)
Team Listings:
Brandon Adams:
Squirtle - Male, Torrent ability. Knows Water Gun, tackle, Withdraw, Rapid Spin
Tangela - Male, Leaf Guard ability. Knows Bind, Stun Spore, Mega Drain, Growth
Nidoran – Female – Poison Point ability. Knows Growl, Poison Sting, Double Kick
Ava Mcarthur:
Eevee - Female. Run Away ability. Knows growl , Quick Attack, Double Kick,
Omanyte - Male. Weak Armor ability. Knows: Withdraw, Constrict
Growlithe – Female. Flash Fire. Knows: Ember.