Chapter 11: A Snivy situation
It's been 2 days since the recent encounter with N and Snivy joining my party. So far Snivy seems to have settled in with the party just fine but, much more reserved than the rest of the party. As I thought he's never been in his pokeball since he joined my party. He's also develop a habit of hanging around my shoulder or plopping his head on top of my head. Now that I think about it, I haven't come up with a name for him yet... or at least one he likes. At least he seems to be getting along with most of my team so that's a start. It's also been a tiny bit since Sharlene and Alfred took over Aurea's position and hasn't really changed much in my daily routine at least.
"We are heading for Spikemuth today. I got requested from the chairman that some foreigners are causing problems and asked us to help out." Said Alfred as he whistles for a cab.
Spikemuth huh? Now that I think about it... I never really seen much of Galar yet. So this might get interesting.
"Spikemuth? That sounds like fun!" Said Sharlene smiling.
"It's not fun to be there Sharlene. It's got lots of punks there. Best you be careful while we there." Alfred responded.
Well this is going to be fun I guess. I wonder if the cab will allow a pokemon to hang on your shoulder during the ride? This is more for Snivy who doesn't like pokeballs at all. Now to think about it, we are only two weeks away from the ultra cup. If I lose there... everyone will be gone and I'll be back in jail. No, I don't believe the party will lose, they are strong pokemon capable of overcome all odds against them... yet I worry about the idea of losing and fearing that they'll be in the hands of corrupted trainers.
"Oi Liam! The cab's here, get your butt in here so we can teach them foriegners not to mess with our citizens." Said Sharlene as Alfred groans.
"Coming." I said entering the cab.
Oh yeah that question.
"Sir, is it possible for my Snivy to hang on my head or shoulder? He doesn't like being in a pokeball." I asked the pilot.
The pilot chuckles, "Of course it can young man."
Snivy's tail wiggles as he leaps onto my lap and then gives a smirk. Are we acting like Royalty today. After he settled in, we were up in the air now able to see Galar from the sky. I've got to say it's a very lovely view and feels like a breath of fresh air perspective wise. Incredible.
"You look like a child just getting a view up here? You're suppose to be a criminal right?" Alfred asked confused.
"I'm only 15 Alfred. I never really got to experience most things trainers in Galar have. Well at least everything that made training pokemon special." I said disappointed.
Alfred hums, "I won't delve into the past, it makes it unfair to judge whether you have changed or not. It's what made Aurea leave this position."
So that's what happened? I hope she's okay.
"Aw, Alfred's is a big softie today." Said Sharlene grinning.
"I haven't gotten soft Sharlene. I just doing my job." Alfred responded.
I can't help but, feel a tad bit more relaxed than I should be. I have a feeling I'll get along with them like I have with Aurea. Though I can't forget the stakes will keep getting bigger the further we reach towards the goal. I start noticing though that the sky was starting to grey. Is it going to rain again?
"In about an hour we will be a Spikemuth prepare to battle just in case. If it's the foreigners we think it is then we got to prepare for the worst." Said Alfred holding on to a ultra ball.
I see. The two of them continue to chat while I continue to admire the view from up in the sky. If only I could change...
"Aw don't be shy little guy, I want to be friends with you."
That little girl? She looks familiar?
"Let's be the best of friends Goomy!"
Goomy? Wait this can't be...
"It's not much but, it should help you feel very comfortable since rain is rare here."
Sharlene? How am I seeing this?
"Don't you know? It's not nice for you're pokemon to spy into others minds even if unintentional. Her psychic power is powerful enough to start leaking out of her pokeball and into the minds of others. Since she's connected to you're mind she's sharing what she 'saw' from the trainers nearby. Tread carefully with her."
That's great, must be Moon reading the minds of others. Wait... she's connected to my mind... what the hell!
"You must be really out of the loop since, being trapped in a room of brick and steel huh kid? Gardevoir's the embrace pokemon, she's definately got the ability to read your emotions like an open book and others to sense hostility towards those it's attached to or cares for deeply. In Moons case, she cares about you so much that she barely rests and constantly is keeping her psychic energy up to the point of being near exhausted. You have to communicate with your pokemon about situations like these or they are going to accidentally kill themselves."
She was exhausted the whole time? Damn, with the way she acts usually I'm surprised she was able to mask exhaustion easily. Moon if you are hearing me, please rest and don't overexert you're psychic abilities... I will be able to handle myself just fine. Please. Now then who are you then?
"Oi Liam... are you okay? You look pale?" Asked Sharlene.
No, I'm not really going to be okay with what I know now. There's no point in hiding it.
"It's Moon. She... saw a portion of you're memories and showed me them. She's... also exhausting her powers out of worry. I'm sorry..." I said feeling really bad.
Sharlene laughs,
"That's all right? No harm done. I can't recall having any bad memory in my life. Hopefully though Moon properly rests this time." Said Sharlene smiling.
What?
"I see. I should strangle you where I stand for peeping into my sisters memories but, if she's alright with how the situation went down, I'll turn the other cheek. If you keep it up though, there will be trouble and you know it." Said Alfred poking me with his finger aggressively.
Note to self, never press any emotional buttons with Alfred or else I'll be in a coffin by the end of it. Though looking into further detail, Sharlene must have met Goomy somewhere in Galar long ago in a really gloomy looking place, wherever that is, sounds rough and depressing. She really cared about her pokemon that much even before she reached the legal age to carry pokemon. It's a good feeling to see something wholesome instead of darkness frequently.
"Roger that sir." I said nervously.
"Either way, get ready to land." Said Alfred as both me and the cab driver are stunned.
"What! We are hundreds of feet in the air! How are we going to land safely?" I asked.
"Figure it out yourself." Said Alfred as he summons out a Noivern and an Altaria.
Sharlene hops on the Altaria while Alfred hops on his Noivern. Well I can reach for... eh wait why am I being swung? Without a second to think, I'm now falling towards the ground at nearly full force. Suddenly, I appear to be mere inches off the floor being held by something. I was then let down immediately greatly reducing impact before my face is forcefully planted onto the ground by a small amount of pressure. Snivy... that was some really quick thinking you had there. As the pressure is finally removed I lift my face off the ground to find Snivy in front of me smirking.
"Amazing, you thought up of a solution at an incredibly fast rate. Thanks for the save Snivy." I said smiling.
Snivy shrugs as I get up from off the ground. As soon as I regained my composure Snivy hops up to my head and returns to being stationed on top of my head hanging there. I can see Alfred with a disappointed look and Sharlene giggling.
"Alright we're here. Prepare yourself." Said Alfred as his Noivern leads the charge in entering Spikemuth.
I send out Canon to follow Alfred's Noivern and then follow behind. Upon catching up to Canon, I get a good glimpse of Spikemuth from an outsiders perspective. From the looks of it a run down city with graffiti everywhere, an odd smell that one cannot possibly describe, oddly coloured zigzagoon's everywhere, neon lights that feel blinding to look at, and finally the pretty odd fashion sense here. Never knew that people in Galar would dress up in punk rock gear. Awaiting us at the gate of Spikemuth is none other than Team clover members seemingly in a battle with the odd fashion sensed people which seems to be in favor of the clover team.
"Oi, are Galar trainers really this weak boss? Why bother with these chumps?" Said a grunt.
The trainers of Spikemuth are really suffering. Well, we know the drill at this point team...
"Hey! Get lost and get out of Spikemuth!" Yelled Alfred as his Noivern roars.
The Clover Trainers turn to Alfred, Noivern, and Canon and send out a horde of Dragon and Fairy type pokemon ready to pounce his Noivern and Canon. Crap I should send out Crescendo immediately.
"You're outnumbered. Three of you and 15 of us not including the other 20 that is currently heading for the king of Spikemuth. Surrender." Said one of the grunts.
"You are in no room to negotiate. Get lost!" Yelled Alfred once again.
I reach for Crescendo's pokeball and throw it out immediately summoning him alongside Canon. Sharlene throws her pokeball in the air sending out Winter in front of Alfred's Noivern and Canon and Crescendo. A triple threat!
"No matter what you send out. It won't be enough to take on all of us. Get them!" The grunt cry out as the grunts command their pokemon to attack.
"Noivern, Draco Meteor!" Alfred Commands as comets from the sky start to slam down some of their dragon pokemon.
"Winter, Flash Cannon!" Commanded Sharlene as beams of light are fired off one after another against the fairy pokemon they sent out.
"Canon, Blizzard! Crescendo, Iron Head!" I command.
Canon channels her power to create a devastating Blizzard to shut down the remaining dragon pokemon attempting to ambush Noivern and Winter. Meanwhile, Crescendo covers Canon by using his body as a shield while punishing the fairy type pokemon that got close to him. They may have had a numbers game but, they don't stand a chance against pokemon that contain the training of loving trainers. They start to hesitate.
"Wha... What the hell? We weren't told that they were this powerful? They are only gym trainers and a stray... how can they wipe us out..." said the grunt as they looks horrified.
"You decided to pick a fight on our turf and got punished for it. We each still have five pokemon ready at the go itching to fight punks like you. Now get out and never bother the people of Spikemuth again." Said Alfred as the grunts run away.
"They mention there being 20 more of then around Spikemuth... mentioning the King of Spikemuth. Do you two know where they are?" I asked.
Sharlene snaps her fingers.
"The Spikemuth alley! That's where he would host concerts." Said Sharlene as she climbs up Winter.
Concerts. The big cheese of Spikemuth is a singer? Interesting... well I best continue to follow but, first I gotta return Crescendo to his pokeball so he won't feel unconformable trying to squeeze in alleyways. I return Crescendo and have Canon take the lead in front of me while following Sharlene and Alfred. While walking we kept our senses heightened to prevent any potential ambushes. Alleyway after each alleyway the feeling of dread continues to build up for me awaiting when something terrible will happen. After what felt like an entirety, we were able to hear the sounds of people and music going off.
"We are nearby! Just a little more." Said Sharlene as she signals Winter to lower her head to reach the end of the alleyway.
Upon reaching the alley way I see at last 18 Clover grunts just shivering in fear and one with their symbol on their sweater sweating nervously. On the other side of the alley is a really scrawny looking man with hair I assume would be that resembling a Zigzagoon... if they were coloured like a regular mime.
"Had enough?" Sung the Scrawny man.
"Not at all. As a matter of fact the whole show is here. I knew that you three would come. It's predictable however, I see something... familiar." said the person with the symbol as they hold on to a ultra ball.
Immediately I see Snivy attempt to Razor Leaf the person with the symbol only for the person so send out the pokemon within the ultra ball to block the damage. The pokemon was a Volcarona and easily disintegrated the sharp leafs and retaliated immediately with Flamethrower. Canon gets in between the Volcarona and Me and snivy to protect us from the attack.
"Canon! Are you okay?" I ask reaching into my bag for a hyper potion.
The Flamethrower shouldn't have done much damage to Canon but, oddly Canon is quivering in pain.
"Ah... Underestimating people is not healthy you know. A scientist can tell you that one kid. If you try to heal you're pokemon I'll have Volcorona here set you on fire." Said the person with the symbol.
Screw it... I starting spraying Canon with the Hyper potion in hand only to see the Volcorona ready to fire off another flamethrower. Come on, I can take one, I dare you.
"I warned you! Volcorona handle these weaklings, I going to have a little chat with my singing friend over there." Said the person with the symbol as their Volcorona fires off another flamethrower.
Here we go again. While I can feel the heat around my neck as I continue to heal up Canon, I don't feel any pain at all... what? I turn around briefly to see Snivy shielding the Flamethrower with a barrier. Protect! So, you do care for you're fellow teammates... good to know.
"Oh... so this is the trainer you ended up with? A perfect match for no potential. I can't believe that some idiot is literally considering using a pokemon that can't even evolve into what it should be. Now, what was I doing again... right!" Said the person with the symbol as she sends out a Houndoom.
Snivy looks really angry. I wouldn't blame him... what a piece of work.
"Now, let's have a compromise... I recall my men here and leave you're city alone and you give us the stone you're hiding." Said the person with the symbol as her Houndoom growls.
"I don't know what you're intentions are and what brought you here but, I can't ignore the harm you are causing to my team. I won't back down." Said the scrawny man.
The person with the symbol snaps her fingers as a giant frog ninja with a tounge around their neck appears in front of her who is holding on to a frightened child. You got to be kidding me.
"Noivern, Air Slash!" I hear Alfred command as his Noivern dives towards the Person with the symbol.
"Winter, Ancient Power!" Sharlene commanded as Winter channels her kinetic energy to enhance the rocks she throws at the person with the symbol.
"Predictable... Volcarona Heat Wave!" the person commanded as flashes of blue flames effortlessly slams Noivern and Winter to the nearest wall, instantly fainting.
What was that power? I've never seen Volcarona produce blue flames before. This person is on a whole other level.
"You've crossed the line, Obstagoon, let's show them our prideful roar." Said the Scrawny man summoning out what they claim to be an Obstagoon.
Damn, that thing is a pokemon and what Linoone evolves into in this region? That's going to be something I have to get use to I suppose.
"Pride? Heh... I remember having pride once, that resulted in me throwing away the trash I once called my team. Don't you get it at all? Y'all keep on fighting and trying to be the strongest when in reality. Being strong means nothing." Said the person as their Volcarona turns towards Obstagoon.
Alfred looks visibly frightened, while Sharlene instantly returned Winter looking unsure about what to do next. I meanwhile trying to think of what to do... but, I don't know how to proceed. This trainer is nothing I've seen before. The power and skill alone can tear down armies of strong trainers without breaking a sweat.
"Canon, Dragon Pulse!" I command instinctively as Canon looks up and fires at the Volcarona.
No! I didn't mean to say that out loud! Canon!
"Nothing will help." Said the person as their Houndoom jumps in and nullifies the attack with Flamethrower.
Near instinct reflexes on their pokemon. That skill is only seen on highly skilled trainers. This isn't good.
"Houndoom, Teach his Dragonair a lesson, Sludge Bomb!" Said the person as their Houndoom prepares to launch a sludge bomb.
I don't know if it was bodily instinct or sheer adrenaline knowing what Houndooms are capable of doing but, I rushed towards the Houndooms blind spot and punched it in the side of it's face as hard as I could. Thankfully, the sludge bomb went off course and missed me and my pokemon. I took a quick step back before the Houndoom recovers knowing now, that I pissed off a really dangerous pokemon.
"Barbaric aren't you? Punching another trainers creature like that willy nilly? Let's pay you back shall we? Houndoom, Flamethrower!" Said the person as her Houndoom unleashes a blast of flames at me.
Well, bring it then! I won't back down. In the blink of the eye, the flames disburse and with a flash of blue waves surrounding his tail, I see Snivy immediately break through the flamethrower, and then slammed the Houndoom's head down to the ground with his blue coloured tail. Aqua tail! Snivy you are truly beautiful and strong!
"You... You hurt the very pokemon that showed you mercy when you were released. This is how you repay her you swine! You filth-" They stopped.
"Shut up. The Snivy you have thrown away and left is more beautiful than you will ever be. You may hurt me all you want but, I won't allow you to keep on berating them when they are already down!" I yell as Snivy gets in front of me looking confident.
The Scrawny man sighs as his Obstagoon begins to clash with her Volcarona.
"Kid, you need to control you're emotions if you want to win the war. You need to calm down." Said the Scrawny man as both pokemon push each other back.
The Volcarona manages to push back the Obstagoon before the Obstagoon landed a powerful Brutal Swing to the Volcarona which resulted in the Volcarona's left wing being weakened.
"You decided to pick a fight, now you are gonna pay the price for hurting the pride of Spikemuth lady." Said the Scrawny man as the Obstagoon roars and the person checks her phone.
The person with the symbol looks annoyed.
"Greninja... show this punk that we mean business now, kill." She commands.
Oh no you don't, Immediately I reach for Sunlights pokeball and summoned her out. I only get one shot at this.
"Sunlight, Hyper Voice!" I command as she lets out a cheery yell that unleashes a sonic boom.
With only a millisecond to spare the Greninja was forced to drop the frightened child to protect it's self from the hyper voice. With the threat neutralized, Sunlight used her feelers to grab the child and pull them towards her.
"You... you are making a powerful enemy today child. You really want to pick fights today huh?" Said the lady now looking frustrated.
Alfred and Sharlene seemed to have disappeared while all this happened... what's your plan you two? I can see the Greninja attempting to rush me, Damn it! Sunlight needs to shield the child... alright lets go then you overgrown frog!
"Say goodbye to you two!" She said as her Volcarona unleashes a deadly blast of bug power towards the scrawny man's Obstagoon and Greninja is looking to stab at me.
I can feel it in the moment... the anger of a pokemon built up. Suddenly as the Greninja is starting to get close enough to stab me, I can see Snivy's tail glowing green as he used his tail to clash with Greninja forcing it to back off. Leaf blade. I see now, his style of fighting... he uses his tail as a shield and as his source of power to gain upper hand on unsuspecting opponents. Clever.
"Tsk, so that's the trump card?" Said the lady as they look up nerved.
"Oi, Liam, Piers! We got back up." Shouted Sharlene as she and Alfred run with kid with a fancy get up towards the scrawny man.
"You both got lucky today... mark my words, I'll come back. When I do... I will take something precious from you." Said the lady as a smokescreen is immediately created out of nowhere. The pokemon that fainted and the pokemon that she used to fight disappeared from sight.
She's gone. Snivy's previous trainer... what a vile trainer. Shortly after her leave, Snivy plops to the ground likely tired from defeating a power pokemon and repelling another powerful pokemon. I lift him up and toss him an oran berry to munch on so that he can regain his strength.
"What a drag. I couldn't give them the finale. I should give my thanks to ya Sylveon for protecting my little sister." Said the Scrawny man as Sunlight delightfully smiles.
A good pokemon she is.
"Team Clover... what is their plan..." said the kid.
"Uh... Sharlene... who is the kid?" I asked.
The kid gets a good look at me before looking disappointed. I don't like where this is going.
"The reigning champion of Galar. The Unbeatable champion: Leon." Said Sharlene.
Oh no... that's the champion and already he's disappointed in me. I'm doomed or very screwed for being too casual or likely did something he didn't like. Crap! Crap! Crap!
"You don't seem as bad as the rumours say. I thank you for helping out Piers and the citizen's of Spikemuth when they were being attacked by Team Clover. However, I seem to be a little concerned though about you're behaviour. Yes, it's quite nice that you really care about you're pokemon and will go to strong lengths to protect them but, you're aggressive words, tone, and violence sometimes may cause more harm than good. I'd suggest trying to think about what you want to say or do sometimes before people continue to have the wrong assumptions about you." Explained Leon.
He's sharp. It's not hard to imagine why he became the champion of Galar if he was witnessing everything and payed attention to every detail. Which means, I still have more work to do to achieve the goal of all this... for them.
"That reminds me, if you saw everything what took you long to get here? Sharlene and Alfred ran looking for you when their pokemon fainted." I asked.
"Leon has no sense of direction, he gets lost faster than the Skuntank who can sucker punch. It's possible as well that he didn't want to use his pokemon to it's fullest strength, especially an ace that can cause potential building damage around the city." Said Piers as he pats the once frightened child on the head.
Leon nods. Ah, I guess even the strongest trainers out there can have flaws in them. Thankfully though, the harm done here was minimum and we drove away Team Clover as a team. However, that lady with Volcarona... she was nearly powerful enough to hold off 2 gym trainers, a gym leader, and then myself on top of it barely breaking a sweat. If this is what Team Clover has in their brigade then surely their commanders will be insanely powerful trainers.
"Heh... sorry Liam but, we felt Leon was going to be needed here before things escalated. You did try your best to help Piers." Said Sharlene awkwardly smiling.
I felt like trouble instead of helpful. My pokemon practically did all the work while I got bickered with the enemy. Geez I owe them all big time for this situation.
"You're pokemon kid. They are able to act on their own without instructions. You're Snivy was skilled enough to use it's move set to break through attacks and give opponents little time to react. They don't want the opponent to have an encore and forced them off stage when their manager is getting attacked while protecting an audience. Not bad at all." Said Piers.
"Er... thanks." I said nervously.
I can feel a slap on the back before I yelp lightly. I keep forgetting I still have the burns from that Zoroark.
"Aw cheer up Liam, you got a compliment from Piers, he rarely gives that out." Said Sharlene grinning.
"That's because you are too carefree that you forget to train and your brother is too much to handle, especially if anyone gets close to you." Said Piers.
I can see already from the side that Alfred looks visibly livid. I turn around to see Sharlene looking defeated. Oh crap, this got serious again.
"Oh? Do you want to go Piers?" Said Alfred still angry holding up a pokeball.
"If you can keep up that is. Now let's get this concert started!" Said Piers smirking.
Both Alfred and Piers send out their first pokemon and prepare for a bout. Well I guess I can just focus on healing up Canon and Snivy for now while they fight. While helping up Canon and moving her to an area to rest in, Sharlene follows and helps support Canon.
"So, thought up of a name for your Snivy?" Asked Sharlene.
"Hm... I'm not sure if he'll like it but, Cosmos." I said
He doesn't seem to give the usual sign when he hates a name given to him... so I guess he is fine with Cosmos then.
"Cosmos huh... like the flower that grows in Hoenn?" Sharlene responds.
"Yeah the same ones. I always remembered my mother loving them alot." I respond.
"That sounds nice. You know once you begin the Ultra Cup challenge, you will have to face gym leaders who will use their full strength to win the cup. It's not going to be an easy road." Sharlene says watching the bout between Piers and Alfred.
"I see. I have faith in my pokemon that we can win both the Ultra Cup and the Master Cup together. After it's over I feel like just living peacefully with them and just not having to worry about the image the world gave me at this point... if that is possible." I respond.
Will that be possible though?
"Ah, that would be lovely. I wish you the best of luck Liam. Last years champ was a really tough person." She smiled.
Why do I have a feeling this isn't good news. Whoever it is, I know we can overcome them. As long as I have Moon and Cosmos leading the team we can't possibly lose the Ultra Cup... right?