Pokémon Crimson Gold
Chapter 79: Back in New Bark Town
By now it had been at least five months since Ethan first set foot from New Bark Town alongside his Chikorita who he had just been freshly given. Now back on the hills above the town the boy dashed as fast as he could with Elm and his now Meganium behind him.
"We're here! We're here!" Ethan exclaimed as he ran as fast as he could.
"Megay Megay!" Meganium equally as excited since New Bark Town was her home as well.
"Wait up Ethan, don't get so excited, I can hardly keep up with you!" Elm yelled heavily exhausted as he took a moment to pant.
Ethan and Meganium turned back and they both began to laugh. "Sorry Professor, but I missed this place, plus, I've got to go and greet mom!"
"I mean, you can but, my lungs aren't as strong as yours boy." Elm said as he finally recovered.
Ethan took another glance from atop the hill, there it was. The few houses of the town along with Professor Elm's lab and even the Trainer's school. Where had so many good, and also plenty of bad memories from.
"So, what will you be doing now?" Ethan asked.
"Me, I've got to get back to my lab, I'll be coming back later to greet your mom, okay?" Elm said patting Ethan on his hat.
"Haha, okay." Ethan chuckled before turning around. "Let's get going, Meganium!"
"Megay!" Meganium cheered following behind her Trainer.
As Ethan jogged around the block, many children and others his age took notice of him, and also taking notice of his Meganium.
"Wow, Ethan's returned!"
"And that Chikorita he got even evolved!?
"And look at that, he's even got eight badges pinned to his chest!"
"Yeah right, the dirty liar probably cheated to get those badges!"
Ethan and Meganium minded them no attention. He was done with getting picked on, and no one would ruin his fun. He made his way to his house which he hadn't seen in forever.
"This is it Meganium, you excited?" Ethan asking the big question to his starter.
"Megayy!" Meganium agreed nodding her head.
"Alright then." Ethan said grabbing the hidden key from beneath the doormat. "Let's get inside."
After opening the door Ethan was instantly met with the stunned face of his mother who wasn't expecting him so early. She was sitting on the couch watching TV before he came.
"I'm here mom, I'm here!" The boy exclaimed as he made his way over to his mom.
"Oh Ethan, you're back!" She cried out spreading her arms as she engulfed her son in her hug.
'M-mom, you're uh, squeezing me a little too tight." Ethan squealed being nearly choked. Watching this made his grass type laugh.
Eliza looked up to Meganium after hearing her laugh and instantly kneeled down to her, checking the starter Pokémon's wound.
"How have you been Meganium?" Eliza asked gently wiping off some dirt from her scar. "Are you alright, does it hurt when I touch it?"
"Meganium Meganium!" Meganium explaining she was fine while shaking her head with a smile. After this Eliza stood back up and gave the Herb Pokémon a warm hug.
"It's nice to see you again mom-" Before he could finish he was distracted by a headline he saw on the TV. Mom was watching the news earlier and the anchor was discussing Team Rocket.
"Indeed, after nearly two weeks since the incident in Johto's Goldenrod city where the terrorist organization Team Rocket struck in an attempt to seize control of the city, a woman outing herself as the leader of Team Rocket, Ariana, has confessed and turned herself in." The anchor stated all while showing a mugshot of Ariana on screen.
Wow, she actually did it, just like she said she would... Ethan thought.
Ethan had now words as he simply sat down on the couch gazing at what had happened. Noticing her son's sudden attitude change Eliza sat next to him and put her arm around him.
"So, Team Rocket's finally done for... how's it feel mom?" Ethan asked to her.
"I should be asking you that question, after what you did to try and stop them after all." Eliza replied with.
Ethan sighed sinking his hands and back into the couch. "I don't know, relieved. It was about time..."
"I know, I just wish your actions during that day weren't unrecognized. I say all of Johto should know you're a hero." Eliza told her son who snickered.
"If I did it all for fame then I'd wouldn't be a here, now would I?" Ethan asked to her making her also laugh.
"No, I guess not..." Eliza responded with getting up from the couch. "But anyway, how's it feel to have all eight badges?"
"Glad you noticed, looks pretty good on me doesn't it?" Ethan asked pointing to the badges pinned to his chest jacket. "In about a month's time we'll be heading to Kanto to compete in the Indigo league, that ought to be fun."
Eliza's face winced as she realized her son looked much skinnier than he had prior even back when she met with him at Goldenrod. "I'm sorry Ethan, I should have been making you food from before you got home, but I didn't realize you'd be coming back so fast!"
The Trainer looked back and realized he hadn't had a bite to eat other than assorted peanuts on the flight ride back home since he went out to eat Tentacruel ink stew with his father the other day, and so his stomach growled. "You hungry as well, Meganium?"
"Megay Megay!" Meganium exclaimed happily.
"Alright, could you also prepare a feast for six Pokémon mom?" Ethan asked earning a head nod from his mother as she made her was into the kitchen.
"I'm going to use the bathroom really fast Meganium, could you please wait here a second?" Ethan asked to his starter who agreed before he head off.
As the boy entered the bathroom he instead pulled out the weight scale nervously as he hadn't checked his weight in a while. Taking just one step on the scale and seeing its number start to change he instantly pulled his leg back, almost even a little scared.
"I, I've got to find out some time..." Ethan told himself before taking a deep breath. Finally finding the courage he took two steps on the scale closing his eyes before he finally looked down seeing what was shown much to his disappointment.
"Eighty-seven pounds, I've got to start eating more and taking better care of myself..." The boy pouted as he put the scale back to where he found it. He had lost over twenty pounds since the start of his journey so he'd have a month's time to get bigger before the league.
"Mom when will the food be ready!?" Ethan asked as he made his way into the kitchen.
"Which would you like, pizza or spaghetti?" Eliza asked placing oven mitts on herself.
"Definitely pizza... well, I don't know... maybe spaghetti?" Ethan said.
"How about both!" Eliza smiled.
"Well that works too, can I help you?" Her son asked going next to her by the stove.
"Haha, very funny Ethan, but I still remember what happened last time you helped out around the kitchen." Eliza chuckled. "You nearly set the whole house on kitchen trying to bake lasagna."
"Hehe, true..." Ethan said before getting a realization. "Hey, how about we make spaghetti, and we also get pizza takeout from Cherrygrove?"
"Sure, that'll be faster." Eliza said making her way to the phone.
"Ugh, I'm so hungry..." Ethan groaned as his tummy growled. The boy made his way to the closet and looked up to the top shelf which luckily had a box of chocolate cookies.
"Score!" Ethan snickered as he tried to reach for the box. Unfortunately for him the shelf was high up and with him only being five-two he couldn't even reach. "Come on..." The boy groaned moving his leg up to try and get more reach but he instead ended up knocking down something.
"Going to have to improvise..." Ethan muttered, grabbing a stool from another room he tried his hardest to reach the top shelf once more
Just when he was nearly about to give up, to his surprise two vines came from behind him grabbing the box of cookies from the very shelf he couldn't reached and handed it to him. Ethan chuckled turning around to see his starter.
"Megay!" She cried handing Ethan his reward.
"Thanks, Meganium, I couldn't reach it there for a second!" Ethan exclaimed opening the box up and pulling out a cookie. But what he didn't expect right as he was about to take a step down from the stool, from behind Meganium, a Pokémon appeared.
"Azu!" A cute and round Azumarill cried startling Ethan entirely. He began to tip and stumble falling off the stool and onto his back falling flat on the floor with a loud thud. The box of cookies spilling all over him. Meganium went by his side worryingly to make sure he was alright.
The boy got up wincing as he rubbed his sore head. He looked up once more to see the Azumarill right in front of his eyes.
"Azu, Azumarill!" It cried happily.
Although he was startled he recognized this Azumarill. It was Lyra's, which filled him with a bit of confusion for a second all before the water type leapt in his arms.
"Azu Azu!" Azumarill exclaimed in Ethan's arms licking him all over his cheek making the boy chuckle.
"Hey, stop it, stop it!" Ethan snickered. "Alright, alright, it's good to see you too Azumarill!"
"Ethan, Ethan are you alright!" Ethan's mom Eliza cried as she rushed into the room with a phone in one hand only to see Ethan hugging the Aqua Rabbit Pokémon.
"Sorry for making you worry mom, no worries, it's just Azumarill!" Ethan said getting off the floor with Azumarill in his arms.
"Oh, I didn't know you caught an Azumarill?" Eliza said sounding confused.
"I didn't, this is Lyra's, she evolved from a Marill some time ago." Ethan explained before looking back to the water type. "So, if you're here, then I bet Lyra is, huh girl?"
"Azu... Azumarill..." Azumarill said suddenly turning to sadness as she shook her head no.
"Wha, what do you mean?" Ethan asked before he heard someone enter the living room from the door. He ran over to see Professor Elm who looked relived to see the little water type.
Elm walked in the room looking around frantically until he saw Ethan, Azumarill, Meganium, and Eliza who all entered to greet him.
"Hey Professor, thanks for dropping by." Eliza said to which the Professor ignored.
"You can't keep running off on me like that!" Elm exclaimed looking over to Azumarill who gave a cute laugh.
"Run off, wait, what's going on exactly?" Ethan asked.
"Megay, Megay!" Meganium also wanting answers.
"Sorry, it's just that when I told Azumarill you were already here she came all the way to your house just to greet you." Elm explained.
"Oh, I see." Ethan giggled before looking back to Azumarill in his arms. "Well, I missed you too girl, I'm glad you came."
"Azu! Azumarill!" She exclaimed.
"So, where's Lyra at then. It'd be nice to say hi to her since she's here!" Ethan said which made his mom nudge him on the arm with a wink. He knew exactly what she was trying to say. "Not like that mom, we're Trainers and nothing more, friends and that's it!"
"That so...!" Eliza smiled crossing her arms.
"I'm sorry kiddo but Lyra's not here, she hasn't contacted me in a while, I don't know where she is at the moment." Elm explained, which caught Ethan off guard.
"Then... that would mean...?" Ethan began. "Lyra switched her out for another Pokémon?"
"Azu, Azu." Azumarill nodded her head. Ethan hadn't expected to hear that from Lyra. In the same way Chikorita was his first Pokémon, Marill was her first Pokémon. It would be like if he were to switch out Meganium for another Pokémon to have on his team, something he could never do.
"Don't worry Azumarill, Lyra will be back, I just know it!" Ethan told the sad water type giving her a big hug.
"Azu!" Azumarill squealed as she returned his hug.
"Alright Azumarill, we've got to get you back to the lab, feel free to come with us Ethan." Elm said leading the way outside the door.
"Sure thing, follow along Meganium." Ethan said as he and his Pokémon followed behind the professor.
As Ethan walked along with Lyra's Azumarill in his arms he just couldn't help but wonder. How much has she changed since she departed with him back during Ecruteak, how much stronger has she gotten. And if what Clair declared told him back in Blackthorn true, then he'd be in for a tough battle once he battled her in the Indigo league.
"We're here!" Professor Elm announced as he opened the door to the lab. It was just as nice and tidy as Ethan remembered. Meganium herself felt nostalgic looking around viewing what was once her home.
"So, how many Pokémon has Lyra caught, if you don't mind me asking?" Ethan asked to the Professor who gave an uneasy smile.
"Oh, sorry Ethan, but uh, technically by law I can't answer that question." Elm explained which Ethan instantly understood.
"Okay I see, sorry I asked..." Ethan said forgetting he even asked. But right after that he heard a voice he hadn't expected to hear.
"It's alright, you can tell him." Said a voice he hadn't heard since his second time being in Ecruteak, it was the voice of a sweet girl who walked into the lab with her normal confidence. Instantly he felt nervous but finally turned around to see Lyra in the flesh.
"L-Lyra!?" Ethan said a little surprised.
"You've returned!?" Professor Elm squealed.
Lyra smiled but opened her arms wide as her Azumarill jumped from Ethan's arms ran forth to her. The girl got on one knee spreading both arms as she accepted the little Aqua rabbit in her arms.
"Azu Azu!" Azumarill cried with tears flowing from her arms as Lyra hugged her tightly.
"I missed you so much Azumarill, it's great to see you again girl!" Lyra shouted excitedly as Azumarill waged her tail. "I promise, I'm never going to return you to the PC again!"
Azumarill sniffled before her Trainer wiped the last of her tears. Lyra afterwards then looked up to see both Ethan and Professor Elm.
"Lyra, it's great to see you again! We were just talking about you!" Professor Elm greeted.
"Yeah, that was a beautiful reunion Lyra." Ethan smiled, placing his hand gently on his starter's scalp.
"Just as I guessed, so you've evolved your Bayleef huh?" Lyra smiled as she went up to the grass type with her water type by her side. She pet Meganium gently on her neck to which the starter responded by squealing and nuzzling her face against Lyra.
"Wait hold on." Lyra said taking notice of the scar on Meganium's belly. "Is everything alright with her, what happened?"
"Yeah... it was kind of unfortunate but... that's what happened when you go unprepared for a battle, I guess..." Ethan sighed.
"I'm sorry to hear that..." Lyra replied petting Meganium on her scalp this time.
"It's nice to see you two acting friendly towards each other, I'm glad my students can get along again!" Elm happily said reminiscing on all their years of yapping towards each other.
"Oh, that reminds me." Lyra said leaving Meganium to walk up to the Professor with two Pokéballs in hand. "I want to trade out Magmar and Alakazam for Azumarill and Houndoom, can you do that for me?"
"Of course." Elm said grabbing the two Pokéballs before heading off. "I'm going to go and grab Houndoom from out back, it'll be a minute!"
"Kay!" Lyra agreed to. Ethan and Meganium were a bit surprised as to hearing about the two Pokémon she apparently acquired. With an Alakazam and Magmar, she had at least eight Pokémon much to the boy's dismay.
"So, how many Pokémon did you have?" Ethan asked the girl. "I mean, since it didn't sound like you minded telling me."
"Sixteen." Lyra replied shocking Ethan. "And you?"
"Six actually, and they're all very strong I assure you!" Ethan promised. "You've already met five of them."
"So you got a new one!" Lyra said. "I'd like to see it, oh, and how was it getting all eight badges by the way?"
"Hehe, it was a lot of fun, of course there was some hardships along the way but, I finally managed to get the last badge when I defeated the Dragon Tamer Clair." Ethan said. "Although she didn't give me an easy time after I beat her."
"That so, well take a look here!" Lyra said pulling out a carrying case from her bag, also containing eight badges which were all shined compared to Ethan's where some were collecting rust.
"Yup, all eight of them!" Ethan said before grabbing the carrying case out of her hands.
"What are you doing?" Lyra asked as Ethan handed it back to her.
"Nothing." He spoke. In truth, he was just checking to make sure it was a real badge. Since Clair originally gave him a fake in the first place.
"Okay, I've gotten Azumarill's Pokéball and your Houndoom." Professor Elm stated as he walked in with both the two Pokéballs.
"Thanks Professor, think I've got the team I'll be using during the Indigo league." Lyra stated happily putting them away in her bag. "Oh, and Azumarill, I think I'll be leaving you out of your Pokéball, that sound good to you?"
"Azu Azu!" Azumarill shrieked once again jumping in her arms.
"Hey, you mind if I ask you which six Pokémon you're going to be using, I mean I only have six Pokémon so it's not like I can try and use it to my advantage really." Ethan said.
"Hmm... I don't think so Ethan." Lyra smiled. "But I'd be glad to show you, in a Pokémon battle!"
"A Pokémon battle!?" Ethan reiterated. Even Meganium was a bit surprised by the offer.
"But, if things go well, you two will be battling during the Indigo league, why not just wait till then." Elm curiously asked.
"I know, that's why it'll only be a three on three, but I'll warn you Ethan. I won't have to use more than one Pokémon!" Lyra declared pulling out another Pokéball from her badge.
Hearing her speak of only one Pokémon reminded him of what Clair told him.
….
"It was terrifying... there was a girl, she challenged me about two weeks ago. She used some rare Pokémon I hadn't seen before... and she slaughtered my whole team, with only that said Pokémon." Clair admitted which at the time shocked the boy.
….
Why am I so nervous, I'm strong too... Ethan told himself.
He grinned trying to hide his nervousness. "Fine, I accept, do you accept Meganium?"
"Megay Megay!" Meganium said as she jumped repeatedly up and down.
"Figure that's a yes, well, this ought to be fun." Ethan claimed.
"Absolutely." Lyra said with her hands on her hips. As she said that though the door opened and they both turned their heads to see Eliza.
"Ethan, honey, what toppings would you li-" She didn't finish however surprised to see Lyra standing there. Lyra turned to the woman and waved her hand.
"Hold that thought mom." Ethan told her. "We have a battle at hand.
They went outside along with Eliza and Professor Elm. To the same field right outside of New Bark Town to which they had their first battle ever at, the battle to which Ethan lost, also the same place Lyra showed Ethan how to catch Pokémon when she caught her Hoothoot. It came to his mind that he never beat Lyra, and now was his time to prove himself.
Ethan and Lyra stood twenty feet apart from each other both with Pokéballs in their hands. From the sidelines both Professor Elm and Eliza were watching.
"Go Ethan! You can do it!" Eliza cheered her son on with her usual enthusiasm. She looked over to Elm who wasn't speaking a word. "Um, you not going to vote Ethan on?"
"They're both my protégés, how could I?" Elm explained. "Instead, I think I'll referee."
"Yeah right, I know you want for Ethan to win, right, you always said out of all your students you were closest to him." Eliza snickered getting a shush out of Elm who didn't want for Lyra to hear.
"So, you're really confident in yourself aren't you." Ethan said over to his opponent. "Just one Pokémon huh, sounds like you've acquired a real powerhouse on your team!"
"That's right. In fact, this Pokémon hasn't even lost a single battle ever, well, not after evolving at least." Lyra exclaimed which intimidated Ethan further although he refused to show it on his face. Lyra was so confident, and on top of her beauty the boy felt entranced by her.
"I don't know Lyra, maybe you're being a little too confident." Elm said. "Ethan's also collected eight badges, and not just that. He also nearly single-handedly faced off with Team Rocket back in Goldenrod, and was recognized as a great Trainer by the great Ho-Oh."
"Woah, Ho-Oh!?" Lyra exclaimed with astonishment. "Wasn't that the Legendary Pokémon Morty told us of."
"You got it, we just met with Ho-Oh while we were at Ecruteak, it was amazing, wish you could have seen it!" Ethan stated getting a grin from Lyra.
"Well, just because you've met with some big bird or something doesn't mean you're strong, we'll see just how good you are in battle!" Ethan's rival expressed.
"Alright, this will be a battle between both Ethan and Lyra!" Elm announced. "Both Trainers can use three Pokémon, now reveal your first Pokémon!"
"You going to start with Meganium, or maybe that Ampharos of yours?" Lyra asked to which Ethan shook his head.
"How about my newest Pokémon!" Ethan said taking out a Pokéball before throwing it. "You're up first!"
Right before Lyra's eyes was released Ethan's Gyarados who instantly let out a large shriek which the girl could feel even standing as far as it as she was.
"You've got this Gyarados!" Ethan told his water type who nodded his head at his Trainer.
"Woah! A Red Gyarados, is that even possible!?" Lyra asked in all her awe.
"Yup, it's called a Shiny, at least that's what the guy who explained me to it called it." Ethan said. "But let me tell you, Gyarados's color is the least of you troubles."
"Megay, Meganium!" Meganium cheering her teammate on.
"Azu, Azumarill!" Azumarill said as she nudged Lyra's leg wanting to battle.
"Sorry girl, but I wanted to battle using another Pokémon, I don't want to use you until we can get some more Training in since you haven't battled in a bit. That okay girl?" Lyra asked to her water type.
"Marill..." Azumarill agreed.
"So, whose it going to be?" Ethan asked.
"This Pokémon will take down your whole team!" Lyra claimed throwing a Pokéball.
The Pokémon that came from it let out a sharp screech upon being released. It was large, bipedal Pokémon looking almost like a dinosaur. It was green, with a armor-like hide covering its body. Several spikes of varying size protruding from the back of its chest, the center of its back, and its knees. Along with a gray, diamond-shaped patch of scales covering its belly.
"Rahhhhhhh!" The Pokémon again screeched. Ethan hadn't realized it but he had a drop of sweat dripping from his face. The Pokémon had a very intimidating appearance and even more than he expected at that.
"Woah, that's a Tyranitar!" Professor Elm exclaimed in awe.
"What kind of Pokémon is it exactly?" Eliza asked not having ever seen it before.
"The rare kind, that's what. Although native to Johto the species is endangered, sad story, I would have never expected for Lyra to have one." Elm said. "And on top of that, the species is known to have immense physical power!"
"So this is called Tyranitar huh." Ethan said as he scanned it down with his Pokédex.
"Tyranitar, the Armor Pokémon. Its body can't be harmed by any sort of attack, so it is very eager to make challenges against enemies."
"Wait a minute, is Tyranitar the evolved form of Pupitar, that Pokémon of yours I faced back when we tied in Olivine?" The boy asked putting his Pokédex away.
"Correct, that's right Ethan. Back when I was traveling on my way to Blackthorn I met with a member of Team Rocket, he was so evil and had a really strong Nidoking, well Pupitar came through and evolved to protect me, and beat that Nidoking easily." Lyra explained shocking Ethan.
No way, she can't be talking about... Proton can she, it took my Pokémon using teamwork to beat that Nidoking... Ethan realized feeling himself go tense.
"Well, being both a rock and dark type there's a whole lot of weaknesses it has, like water." Ethan said. "Gyarados, start with Aqua Tail!"
"Grahhhhhh!" Gyarados shrieked and with a swipe of his tail, formed vicious waves around his tail.
"Dodge it!" Lyra cried.
"Don't let it!" Ethan warned.
Although not looking to be the fastest, the dark type leaped into the air dodging what would have been a Super effective water type move if made contact.
"Now, Stone Edge!" Lyra commanded.
"Ranitar!" Tyranitar cried as it formed from the ground a large chunk of rock easily breaking it before hurling it towards Gyarados. At such speed Gyarados was left with no time to dodge being smashed with intense damage.
"Gyarados are you alright!?" Ethan cried out as his water dragon fell to the ground weakened.
However weakened, Gyarados shot back up like a bullet. Steam of rage coming from its nose as it once more let out a strong roar.
"Yes, we're still in this!" Ethan claimed. "Now, Dragon Rage!"
The Atrocious Pokémon opened its mouth forming an orb of dragon type energy as it always did. This attack surrounding with electricity of its sheer intensity.
"Fire!" Ethan said coordinating with his arm. Gyarados listened and fired the ball straight for Tyranitar.
"That's nothing Tyranitar, break through it with Shadow Claw!" Lyra ordered.
The rock type's arm formed with a sheer black layer of force as it sped for the Dragon Rage. Much to Ethan's surprise the attack easily overpowered Gyarados's strongest move splitting it in two. The split ends separated before dissipating into nothingness.
"What the!?" Ethan cried.
"Hehe, now you see Tyranitar's power, okay, continue with Thunder Fang!" Lyra demanded. Tyranitar listened and lunged for Gyarados revealing sharp fangs encased in electricity.
"Dodge it!" Ethan screamed but to no avail. Gyarados was bit with the Thunder Fang electrocuting the poor water type with four times effective damage. The result of which causing an eruption of smoke blinding both Ethan and Lyra's view.
"Gyarados, I believe in you!" Ethan yelled for his Pokémon who he couldn't see to hear.
"It doesn't matter how much you believe in it Ethan, in the presence of my Tyranitar your beliefs can't do much." Lyra claimed confidently.
Once the smoke cleared, to Lyra's dismay her Tyranitar was being clutched by the tail of Gyarados unable to move.
"What!?" Lyra freaked.
"Yes!" Ethan clenched his fist. "We have it right where we want it, now Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!"
Gyarados opened its mouth wide about to fire off a large wave of water which would be sure to effect the Tyranitar greatly.
"Not so fast, Tyranitar, use Dark Pulse!" Lyra commanded. Tyranitar from Gyarados clutch opened its mouth wide and fired a Dark Pulse into the water type's face before he got to use Hydro Pump.
"Gyarados no!" Ethan shouted, but it was too late. Gyarados fell on his back, knocked out cold and in no shape to continue.
"Gyarados is unable to battle, Ethan, onto your second Pokémon!" Professor Elm announced as Ethan returned his Gyarados.
"That was a good battle buddy, you did awesome!" Ethan said as he put away Gyarados's Pokéball grabbing another.
"Who will it be next?" Lyra asked crossing her arms.
"Err, Heracross, let's do this!" Ethan yelled as he threw his Pokéball releasing his bug and fighting type onto the battlefield.
"Heracross!" Heracross shrieked flexing its muscles midair before landing to the ground. Upon locking eyes with the Tyranitar his recalled its battle all the way from back in Olivine. Feeling pumped up to avenge his loss Heracross let out a strong battle cry before forming his best and coolest looking stance.
"Go Heracross!" Eliza cheered. "You can win this!"
"Megay Megay!" Meganium cheering on the bug type.
"Your Tyranitar is four times weak to fighting types, I think we'll take advantage of that!" Ethan said. "Heracross, Close Combat!"
"Hera Hera Hera!" Heracross bellowed while speeding across the battlefield as fast as he could.
"Stone Edge!" Lyra yelled. Tyranitar stomped its foot onto the ground kicking up another huge chunk or rock all while hurling it at its opponent.
"Break it!" Ethan yelled. Heracross listened and with one punch of its Close Combat attack allowing him to get front and center with Tyranitar.
"Do it, now!" Ethan roared. Heracross listened and began throwing blows at Tyranitar hitting it in its gut causing the rock and dark type's face to steam with anger.
"Shadow Claw!" Lyra screeched. Tyranitar listened even with Heracross throwing bullet fast punches at it and smashed Heracross in the jaw sending him flying across the battlefield.
"Hera!" Heracross screeched falling to its back heavily damaged.
Woah, its raw strength is insane... Ethan thought stunned. Not since the Dragon Master's Dragonite has he fought anything this powerful.
"Heracross, please, you've got to get up, you can win this!" Ethan pleaded with his Pokémon as it slowly got up from near unconsciousness.
"Great, now go ahead and use Brick Break!" Ethan yelled as Heracross dashed towards Tyranitar once more.
"Dodge it!" Lyra screamed.
Despite Heracross's punches and chops being extremely speedy Tyranitar dodged it side stepping to the right of Heracross.
"Hera!?" Heracross screamed with his eyes widened. It almost felt like it was slow motion as Tyranitar eyed down him with seething rage.
"Thunder Fang!" Lyra ordered. Tyranitar leaped into the air once more with electricity surrounding its jaw as it bit into Heracross plunging him into the ground causing an explosion.
Wild Pokémon from the bushes such as Caterpie and Weedle scurried away in fear of the Pokémon battling.
"Heracross!" Ethan screamed as the smoke cleared for his Pokémon. But once the smoke cleared it was revealed Tyranitar stood over his opponent victoriously. Heracross was knocked out completely with drool coming from its mouth.
"Heracross is unable to battle, leaving Ethan with only one Pokémon left!" Professor Elm
"Return Heracross." Ethan said withdrawing his fallen. "That was really cool how you battled, now get some rest."
"Like I said, were going to take down all three of your Pokémon, and that's our second." Lyra proclaimed confidently. "Looks like my prediction's coming true."
"Talk all you want Lyra, but I'm not losing this without taking down your Tyranitar!" Ethan raising his voice.
"Oh my, Elm, Ethan can still win this, right?" Eliza asked feeling sorry for her stressing out son.
"It's possible, but it's not looking too good for him right now, Lyra has really trained a powerful Tyranitar. I don't think I've ever seen one to this level of strength before!" Elm explained still in awe of the power Lyra's acquired.
"Well, I'll still route for him nonetheless." Eliza said going back to her cheering. "You can win this Ethan! I believe in you!"
Mom... Ethan thought realizing something. This was the first he's ever battled in front of her, and he was losing. Losing badly.
Right when he was feeling down Ethan looked over to see Meganium with her usual smile. One with determination and confidence. The same smile that made him want even more to choose her as his starter even more than he already had. It was risky, but he made the choice to send her in.
"Meganium." She said with a nod. Wanting to be called to battle.
"Alright, Meganium I choose you!" Ethan yelled no longer feeling nervous or scared as he called her for battle. Meganium as eager as ever leaped onto the battlefield forming a stance.
"Megay Megay!" She shrieked happily.
"Is he crazy, using Meganium against an opponent that strong!" Eliza for the first time not cheering her son on. "With her injury she can't just battle another Pokémon on that level!"
"That may be true, I'm sure Meganium can't fight to her normal capacity because of her injury, but what other choice does Ethan have. After all, Meganium has the type advantage." Elm clarified.
"I know that, but still..." Eliza said gazing back to the battle.
Come on Ethan, you've got to make a comeback... Elm thought to himself sorry for the boy.
Tyranitar looked at Meganium and suddenly for the first time in the battle gave a grin. One almost looking to be malicious as it puffed its chest and got serious.
"You see, back as a Pupitar he took his tie against your Bayleef quite hard, he's been waiting for this day for a long while. Isn't that right Tyranitar?"
"Tyranitar Tyran!" Tyranitar nodded with a fierce snarl.
"Don't give in Meganium, together you and me can overcome any obstacle!" Ethan said filling Meganium with further resolve.
"We'll start with Stone Edge!" Lyra commanded. Tyranitar listened and fired from the ground the largest chunk of rock yet which was easily twice the grass type's size.
"Dodge it!" Ethan yelled. Meganium leaped back dodging the move as it destroyed into a million pieces before her.
"Magical Leaf now!" Ethan yelled going for Super effective damage. Meganium listened and fired a plethora of enchanted spiked leaves.
"Once more use Stone Edge to block it!" Lyra ordered. Tyranitar listened striking up a shield of rock to block what otherwise would have been devastating much like a shield. The blades stuck into the rock like shuriken to a wall.
"Dark Pulse!" Lyra ordered to which Tyranitar followed. The beam of dark type energy broke through the shield of rock aiming for the grass type.
"Woah, dodge it!" Ethan warned.
Meganium leaped to the side dodging the attack just barely. Ethan looked over and noticed she was already breaking a sweat. Was she nearing her limit?
"Shadow Claw!" Lyra said. Tyranitar dashed for Meganium with intense resolve cracking the ground and kicking up grass with each step. Its determination to win undeniable as its claws were coated by the ghostly aura.
"I know, swing around it with Vine Whip!" Ethan upon gaining the realization. Meganium followed what he adjured of her and used her Vine Whip to grasp around the rock type's arm.
"Trahh!?" Tyranitar shrieked surprised by Meganium's sudden attack. Releasing its hold on its Shadow Claw entirely.
"I thought you'd do that!" Lyra squealed with a happy grin. "Tyranitar, toss her!"
Tyranitar swung its arm flinging Meganium who dangled from her vine being placed in front of the monstrous Pokémon.
"Meganium!" Ethan shouted before gaining a realization. "Solar Beam now!"
"S-Solar Beam!?" Lyra cried out.
"Megayy!" Meganium shrieked as she began charging solar energy from the Sun before Tyranitar.
"Don't let it hit you Tyranitar!" Lyra yelled. "Hit her with Dark Pulse before it can land!"
The Armor Pokémon once again opened its mouth charging a pitch-black orb of energy in its mouth. Firing it directly at its opponent however came with a surprise, as Meganium leaped into the air dodging the destructive wave of energy.
"Ty-Tyranitar!?" Tyranitar said shocked at Meganium's quick dodge.
"Now fire!" Ethan yelled.
"Meganiuhhhh!" Meganium screamed as the fierce beam fueled by the sun fired at Tyranitar at close range. An explosion filled the battlefield as the smoke spread. Solar Beam indeed being an attack so powerful it's defeated every opponent it's been used on. And on top of Tyranitar being weak to grass type it was a sure win.
"We did it!" Ethan exclaimed pumping his fist into the air. Although it was embarrassing celebrating over getting a single knock out in a Trainer battle he didn't care.
Lyra smiled. "You sure about that?" She said abruptly ending Ethan's celebration. He looked within the smoke to see a silhouette of the rock type who was still standing.
"Trahhhhhhh!" Screamed the Tyranitar with a shout so stern it cleared the smoke. The Pokémon had many scuffs and scratches from head to toe, but somehow it could still keep fighting.
"Me-Megay!?" Meganium said taking two steps back for the first time in the battle feeling fear. This Tyranitar was easily the strongest opponent she ever faced. Even when including any of Allen's Pokémon it outclassed them.
But that's the same attack that defeated Clair's Kingdra and toppled Proton's Nidoking, how can it get back up from that after two previous battles and a type disadvantage!? Ethan thought beginning to feel tense again.
"G-get out of there Meganium, pull back, and try to strike it down from afar with Magical Leaf!" Ethan yelled.
"Hmph, don't let her Tyranitar!" Lyra responded.
As Meganium leaped it ultimately proved ineffective. Tyranitar moved its foot quickly and stepped on one of her vines preventing her from moving.
"M-Megayyy!" She squealed.
"This is looking bad, Ethan's got to call off the battle now. Meganium's in trouble!" Eliza gasped covering her mouth.
"They, they've got to get out of this somehow..." Professor Elm hoped crossing his fingers.
"Meganiuh Meganiuh!" The starter Pokémon shrilled as she shook trying to break free from Tyranitar's foot hold but to no avail.
"Now, Shadow Claw!" Lyra commanded.
Tyranitar fuming with range now had Meganium at his grasp. With its pride on the line it was time to now end this. Tyranitar charged a Shadow Claw and struck Meganium in the neck with it like a jab.
"Megayy!" She screamed spitting up falling to the ground still with Tyranitar standing on her vine.
"Continue with Shadow Claw and take her out!" Lyra yelled. Tyranitar listened and once more struck Meganium once more over the head. Its rage wasn't done with yet as the big bruising Tyranitar continued hitting Meganium with multiple Shadow Claws with both its arm. Meganium who couldn't fight back curled up trying to cover her head but failed too as she was continuously pummeled.
This isn't looking good... Ethan thought biting his nails rapidly.
"He's got to call off the battle now!" Eliza screamed as she knew there was no chance of Ethan winning this.
"It's for the best." Professor Elm muttered saddened at the sight.
Tyranitar went in for another Shadow Claw this time one with even more power. He raised his arm preparing to strike Meganium down before she just barely moving her head got out of its range. There was no attack she could do at this moment. All she could do was bite Tyranitar, bite its hand which did nearly nothing to it.
Tyranitar proceeded to beat Meganium over her head with punches, not even Shadow Claw, just punches. He beat her repeatedly with his other arm. But Meganium didn't give up her bite which only pissed off the Armor Pokémon even more.
Raising its arm into the air it once again struck down with intense force now coated by the ghoulish aura which was Shadow Claw. The aftermath of which causing Meganium to release Tyranitar's other arm with her bite as she coughed off blood her head and neck falling to the floor.
"Azu..." Azumarill from Lyra's side mumbled looking away unable to watch any further.
Meganium laying sideways and panting excessively still had a glint of resolve in her eyes. Tyranitar could see that which angered it even more and so it began to charge a Dark Pulse.
Ethan had bit his nail to the point it was bleeding. There was no way he could stand and watch this continue any further. "The battles over, I forfeit!"
"Stop it Tyranitar, don't attack her any further!" Lyra yelled to her rock type. But it would not listen to her word as it continued charging the Dark Pulse attack which if hit, could do more than just knock out Meganium, it could kill.
"Stop it you green bastard!" Ethan yelled running forth grabbing a pebble from the ground. He picked it up and hurled it as hard as he could at the back of Tyranitar's neck. The Pokémon hadn't felt a thing, of course Ethan's weak throw wouldn't hurt it. But it now had a new target to its anger. It opened its mouth wider about to shoot Ethan with the Dark Pulse.
"Ethan nooo!" Both Eliza and Elm screamed in fear.
"That's unacceptable! Return right now Tyranitar!" Lyra shouted as she withdrew her feral Pokémon back to its Pokéball.
Ethan instantly rushed to Meganium and kneeled by her side concerned as to her state. "Are you okay girl, I'm so sorry. I really thought we could win that..."
"Megay." She smiled despite having been beat up. She reached Ethan's cheek and gave him a lick as she always did making Ethan smile as well.
Elm sighed before getting back with his announcements. "Alright, this battle is finished. Lyra is the winner!" He declared albeit regretful.
"Ethan!" Lyra screamed while she and Azumarill rushed to Ethan. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me. Tyranitar tends to lose control when he gets worked up, I should have warned you."
"I-It's okay it's not your fault." Ethan said helping Meganium up to stand. "Well, I lost, congratulations on your win."
"Thanks, please Ethan, don't take it too hard." Lyra said. "Your Pokémon did very good as well, you should be proud, I can see how you managed to get all eight badges."
"Thanks, and I don't think I need to tell you this but your Tyranitar is amazingly strong." Ethan said before going serious. "But it isn't over, I promise I'm going to face you in the Indigo league. I'm not going to lose to you, not ever again."
"Yeah, I like the sound of that." Lyra said patting Ethan on the back before turning around. "Well, it was fun, but I've got to head off now."
"Huh, you're not going to stay any longer!?" Ethan confused.
"I mean, I just came to say hi to my parents. Plus, I've got one ticket to Kanto where the Indigo league will be taking place, I've got to reach Olivine so I can go by ferry. I want to get some training back at Victory Road, there's some strong Pokémon there!" Lyra explained.
"Really." Ethan said.
"Yeah, I'd invite you to come with me so we could train together, but since we're going to be rivals and not battling together we can't. But it's great to see you again!" And with that Lyra took her leave past the village exit.
"Bye Mrs. Eliza, bye Professor Elm!" She waved.
"Azu Azu!" Azumarill waved to Meganium and Ethan before turning back and following her Trainer.
"You did great Meganium, thank you..." Ethan told to his grass type petting her on her scalp before facing Professor Elm and his mom.
"Ethan... I'm, I'm sorry..." Eliza said sadly.
"But you still battled well, your Pokémon did great out there, like she said, you should be proud." Elm told Ethan who nodded.
"Yeah... but one thing's clear, I'm going to need to get my Pokémon stronger if I'm going to want to beat her in the Indigo league. Mom, can you take care of Meganium and get her cleaned up." Ethan asked to his mother.
"Of course, Ethan. Could you come with me Meganium!" Eliza said as her son's starter went by her side walking weakly. After that Ethan turned around and without another word ran away.
He lost without defeating even a single one of her Pokémon and to top that off he had never defeated Lyra. While she's beaten him multiple times now
….
Marill dashed once again into Chikorita, sending her flying back. And just like that, Chikorita was defeated.
"Chikorita!" Ethan yelled as he came by his Pokémon's side. He stood by her and helped her up. "That was really awesome Chikorita, I'm so happy I choose you as my starter."
"Chika," She happily exclaimed, even after losing, she still managed to get back up.
"See what I mean, you shouldn't have picked fights with me, not yet at least. Now you'll have to live with the fact that you lost your first battle with me for the rest of your life!" Lyra boasted. "You're still a failure, Ethan!"
Ethan, despite losing wasn't sad, he was used to failure, however he would not fail Chikorita. He held his starter in his arms.
"Chikorita, I promise I won't fail you; I just know we'll become an excellent pair. A trainer and his Pokémon young trainers will be inspired by, I swear." Ethan said, smiling.
….
"Oh yeah, let's see then. Mareep use static!" Ethan said, gaining his old energy back.
Mareep simply looked at Ethan in confusion, Lyra began to laugh.
"Ethan, static is a hidden ability silly, it activates mid battle at random points." Lyra said. "But thanks for revealing it to me."
"Oh crap! I messed up!" Ethan said, face palming, almost dropping the egg before he caught it.
"Now Noctowl! We can't get close to that Mareep, so Air Slash! Let's go!" Lyra commanded.
Noctowl again threw another Air Slash, which crashed into Mareep sending it flying back.
"Mareep, no!" Ethan said. He gently put the egg on the ground next to Chikorita, and caught Mareep in midair, causing him to fall on his butt.
"Mareeeep!" Mareep said in his arms. "I know little guy, I know, you did great out there, now take a long rest." Ethan said, returning Mareep in its Pokéball.
"So hurry up and send in that Chikorita of yours already and get this over with!" Lyra said, while petting her Noctowl.
Ethan looked at Chikorita, she looked ready to continue, making Ethan smile.
"No thanks Lyra, you win." Ethan said, surprising Chikorita.
"Oh, so you're giving up. That's not like you, but a victory is a victory," Lyra said, feeling happy for her fourth win in a row.
"Yeah, I'm sorry Chikorita, but I think it's just going to take a bit more training before we're ready to fight with such a big advantage you know." Ethan said, causing Chikorita to cheer up.
….
Pupitar pulled his head back and smashed into the charging Bayleef once more, Bayleef almost fainted from the hit, but landed a slash with Vine Whip, the collision between the two caused once again an eruption of smoke, neither Ethan nor Lyra could tell what happened.
"Bayleef!?" Ethan cried.
"P-Pupitar!" Lyra screamed.
Both Ethan and Lyra ran forth into the smoke to see if their Pokémon are okay, Ethan found Bayleef who was on the ground unconscious.
"Bayleef, you okay?" Ethan asked, he shook her gently and her eyes opened.
"I'm glad you're okay Bayleef!" Ethan said, she went ahead and licked him on the cheek.
Once the smoke cleared, Ethan saw Lyra, who returned her fainted Pupitar into its Pokéball.
"You did wonderful out there." She spoke. "I guess that makes this a tie!"
"Yeah, a tie!" Ethan said, helping Bayleef to get up.
Togetic and Eevee gathered around Bayleef and Ethan, Ethan pet them both.
"That was a good battle, you've got some really strong Pokémon Lyra!" Ethan told her.
"You two, you're incredible, but next time we battle, just know it won't be a tie." Lyra said, smiling.
….
Ethan sat on the roof of his house simply pondering. It felt like he had progressed backwards. He lost to Lyra so many times but during their previous battle back in Olivine he managed to tie with her. What was he doing wrong he wondered? He trained his Pokémon just the same as Lyra so why did he lose so badly?
"Giving up so soon...?" Ethan heard a voice behind him say. He turned around and it was none other than Silver who he hadn't seen since Goldenrod.
"Wha, what are you doing here!?" Ethan asked alarmed. He usually ended up meeting with Silver everywhere he went, was Silver stalking him he almost considered.
"On my way to Violet City, to get my next badge that is." Silver explained. "I came here first since I felt nostalgic, that is all..."
Ethan couldn't believe what he was hearing. Silver collecting badges. He didn't know anything about Silver come to think of it but at the same time he would have never thought Silver would collect the badges.
"Don't tell me you want to take part in the Indigo league." Ethan said as Silver scoffed. He reached his hand into his pocket pulling out a carrying case. Revealing five badges already having been collected. The Hive badge, the Plain badge, the Storm badge, the Fog badge and the Glacier badge all placed to it.
"I'm going to enter the Indigo league. Meaning I have about a month and a half to collect three more badges." Silver said. "I'm going to face you and defeat you. And then I'll have my rematch with the Champion. The whole world will know my strength."
"I look forward to it." Ethan replied. "But... can I ask, did you see, my match with Lyra?"
"Yeah, and you lost, bad." Silver smirked.
"You don't have to remind me you know. I was there..." Ethan pouted.
"Hmph, I recognized her from Ecruteak. Back then I didn't think she was of acknowledging as a Trainer, then again I never saw her battle." Silver said. "And I can see it clear, she's a monster, and if I'm going to want to face Lance I'm going to have to defeat her."
"Heh, if we even can..." Ethan said dropping Silver's smirk.
"Ethan. Don't get me wrong, I despise you. But I also respect you, in some way..." The redhead admitted. "You got me to see what I wouldn't accept, so I'll tell you know as a favor. Don't let that loss get to you, you think sat and almost cried every time I lost to you?"
"No, instead you screamed and cursed at your Pokémon." Ethan replied with a hint of sass.
"Fair enough, but I'm being serious now. I want to face you myself, I want to prove my strength to you, but not the current you." Silver said as he took a leap from the roof to the ground with his hands in his pockets before he turned to face Ethan once more. "You won't see me again until the Indigo league, so... good luck, and train well..."
Ethan smiled and stuck up his middle finger. Silver chuckled and stuck up his as well before he turned back and left. A few minutes after he left Ethan heard his mother's voice.
"Honey, she's alright now!" Eliza told the sulking boy alongside Meganium who looked to be in better condition than she was before.
"Meganiuh Meganiuh!" Meganium cried cheerfully. Seeing her in better shape filled Ethan with excitement as he leaped down and went up to her.
"I'm so glad your alright girl, I don't know what I'd do without you!" Ethan said grabbing her into his arms as he hugged her.
"Megay!" She gushed.
"Ethan!" The boy heard causing him to turn and look up. Behind his mother was Professor Elm who wasn't wearing his glasses nor his lab coat which he usually wore. He had a look of seriousness Ethan hadn't seen from him ever before.
"What's the matter Professor?" Ethan asked releasing his starter from his hug.
"Ethan. You've trained your Pokémon excellently. It's clear to me you love your Pokémon and they're all very strong for how little you've been with them." Elm explained. "But, as well as saw, Lyra's still not one, but two steps ahead of you."
"Yeah... and that's why I've still got a lot of training to do before the big day." Ethan responded.
"Indeed." Elm nodded. "But you're not going to do it alone, I'm going to help you, help you further your Pokémon's training."
Such words Ethan didn't expect from the man. Sure he taught him a lot in Trainer school but Elm was a Professor and not a Trainer. But he had a look of confidence he never saw from him before.
"You sure Professor?" Ethan asked.
"Of course I'm sure." Elm said. "I saw it in you multiple times, and even the Legendary Ho-Oh has as well, you're a great Trainer and I know you and your Pokémon have endless potential, you just need that one little push, that's why I'll be taking a break from my role as Pokémon professor to help you train until the league begins. Don't forget, before I was a professor, I was a Trainer."
Ethan smiled from cheek to cheek and so did Meganium. Even though he lost as bad as he did his mentor still had faith in him.
"Thank you Elm, that's so kind of you especially when you don't have to!" Eliza exclaimed as Elm nodded.
"I don't have to, I want to." Elm said. "Cause Ethan's going to win that league, I just know it!"
Ethan smiled and reached into his bag pulled out five of his other Pokéballs. All his Pokémon were now out on the field.
"Amphar!" Ampharos cried taking notice of the area they were in.
"Toge Togetic!" Togetic spinning around Ethan.
"Espe!" Espeon purred softly.
"Hera Hera!" Heracross screeched already healed from his wounds earlier.
"Grahh!" Gyarados softly said also feeling better.
"Everyone, we lost to Lyra just now. But I want you all to know, that's alright!" Ethan said looking around to all his Pokémon who gathered around each other.
"Gyarados, you battled fiercely and sure gave Tyranitar a heck of a fight, I'm proud of you!" Ethan told his water type who nodded. More than that Gyarados began to feel better about his loss knowing Ethan was still determined to win.
"Heracross, you showed me and Lyra how powerful you are, I'm so glad you wanted to come with me all those weeks back!" Ethan said looking at Heracross.
"Hera Hera!" Heracross saluted.
"And Meganium, I don't need to tell you just how proud I am of you or how much I love you. As always, you gave it your all as always!" Ethan told his starter who squealed happily.
"Megay Megay!" She said enthusiastically.
"And that goes for all of you, I love you all and believe in you more than I can express in words. We're a team worthy of becoming Champions, that's how I feel, and I know you all feel the same way. So let's get to training!" Ethan exclaimed happily clenching his fist.
All his Pokémon felt the same way as Ethan said. Heracross turned to Togetic and grabbed the little guy by his hand and giving him a hug. Espeon and Gyarados turned to each other with a smile while Ampharos wagged his tail excitedly which made Meganium laugh.
Ethan watched his Pokémon and had a determined look. His excitement for battling once again igniting.
No one there, not Ethan, Elm, or Eliza noticed. But standing at the top of a power line was Allen. Watching over his son with a smile before he turned his back taking one last look at him.
"You've got this Ethan; I believe in you..." he said under his breath as he leaped away.
And that's that, damn is this chapter long. Easily my longest at over nine thousand words. But, I enjoyed writing this nonetheless. Now if anyone's mad that Ethan lost to Lyra without even taking out one of her Pokémon just know this to be any eye opener for him. Also, when I said Tyranitar was the strongest opponent Meganium's faced that was excluding the Dragon Master's Dragonite of course. Anyways please leave reviews as always.