The three trainers entered the Mistralton Gym, observing their surroundings. As Skyla was a pilot, an old biplane sat off to the side, and wind blew about, created by huge fans in the walls. The gym had no roof, and was made for aerial battle. Kyouhei clapped, giggling at the sight of the place. Krom met Skyla, the pilot smiling as the battle commenced.
She sent out a Swoobat, the bat smiling as it flapped it's wings. Krom smiled, and Granitwarf smiled. She tilted her head, as a Psychic and Flying type like Swoobat would easily beat a Fighting type like the dwarf. She called for Air Cutter, and the bat flapped it's wings, shooting blades of wind out at the dwarf. The dwarf jumped back from each one, smiling up at the bat. Skyla called for Air Slash, and the bat shot a ball of condensed wind at the dwarf. The dwarf dodged, throwing his hammer at the bat.
The bat easily avoided the weapon, turning to see the hammer clatter to the ground near Skyla. The bat turned back, and the dwarf was in the air, having jumped up. He latched onto the bat's wings, grabbing it and slamming it to the ground. He opened his mouth, flames erupting from his mouth. He bit into the back of the bat's head, and it called out. He pulled back, the bat now missing an ear, and he slammed his head into the bat, defeating it. Skyla frowned, switching her Swoobat out for a Swanna.
Granitwarf laughed, hammer in hand. Skyla called for Hydro Pump, and the swan shot a torrent of water at the dwarf. It struck the dwarf, who was only coated in water. He ran his fingers through his beard, white teeth gleaming. A fan blew to the left, and the dwarf jumped at the wall. The fan carried the dwarf to where the swan was, and he spun. He slammed the hammer into the swan, who cried out as it hit the ground.
Granitwarf landed on top of the swan, causing it to cry out. Krom smiled, calling for Thunderbolt. The dwarf shrouded himself in electricity, flexing as he shocked the swan. The thin cloth shirt he wore tore as he flexed his muscles, the Swanna screaming under his feet. When he stopped, the swan laid defeated under him, feathers gone. He grabbed the swan by the throat, hoisting it up in the air, shaking the nude swan. He threw it to the side, shrugging as he hand combed his hair. Skyla growled, sending out an Unfezant.
Skyla called for Air Cutter, and the pheasant complied. The dwarf jumped around, avoiding the blades of wind. Skyla called for Brave Bird, and the bird flew high into the air. The bird flew down, coated in blue energy. Right before it hit the ground, it opened it's wings, flying at the dwarf cloaked in flame. Granitwarf scoffed, spinning around the attack. The bird turned, using Air Cutter with expertise.
Granitwarf grunted as the blades of wind struck him, pushing him back. He growled, looking about the gym. He saw many things, but one caught his eye. A cannon, used in daredevil performances sat off to the side. Granitwarf smiled, reaching into his beard. He pulled out a pair of goggles, and strapped them onto his face. He ran to the cannon, jumping on top and lighting the fuse with Fire Punch. He spun around, jumping into the cannon. He positioned himself, smiling as he waited. The Unfezant had lost sight of him, looking about haphazardly.
The cannon shot the dwarf through the air, and the pheasant spun. Granitwarf rammed his hammer into the side of the pheasant's face, Body Slamming it to the ground and defeating it. He stood over the defeated body of his foe, laughing and flexing his muscles. Krom laughed heartily, and Kyouhei clapped and giggled. Skyla was in shock, taking her time to send out Skarmory.
The dwarf took one look at the bird and scoffed. Skyla called for steel wing, and the bird screeched. The bird's wings glew silver, and it flew at the dwarf. The dwarf clenched his muscles, posing as the bird struck him. The bird flew back grunting, responding to a call of Flash Cannon. The bird shot the beam, and the dwarf jumped to the side. Skyla called for Air Slash, and the condensed ball of wind flew at the dwarf. The dwarf jumped over, watching the bird ascend on command.
Granitwarf looked about the gym for something that could reach those heights. He could barely see the armored bird, let alone aim at it, so the cannon was out. He saw the fans, but they only went up so far. He growled, spotting a trampoline. He shook his head, jumping back as Air Cutter rained down at him, the blades of wind increasing thanks to the increased distance they had to travel. The blades were almost too big to avoid, and then he saw it.
Granitwarf grunted, jumping into the biplane. He placed the goggles back on, starting the plane with Thunderbolt. The plane groaned to life, and he took off. The pilot dwarf flew through the sky, shooting small Shock Waves at the armored bird, who avoided each one. He grunted, turning it into a Thunderbolt, the beam coursing through the air. The bird still dodged, and the dwarf growled. He flung his hammer, but to no avail. The hammer just clattered to the ground in front of Krom, who watched the battle in amusement.
Skyla smirked, thinking that the dwarf would abandon the plane if it meant more movement. She commanded the Skarmory to fly downward, and head straight for the gym floor. The dwarf followed, and she smiled. She called for the bird to sweep back up once it neared the ground, but Granitwarf had other plans. He used Thunder Wave, the bird being struck and paralyzed. The bird groaned, and fell to the ground.
Granitwarf roared, flying the plane into the ground. A huge explosion rung out, Saria having to use Reflect to block it and protect the three trainers. Flames licked the ground, smoke billowing in the air. Skyla looked at the field in shock, and waited. Only Granitwarf emerged from the flames, carrying the head of the metal bird. He held it up, roaring his victory. Krom cheered, amazed at his skill. Skyla's jaw dropped, and she flung the badge across the gym. Saria used Psychic, handing the badge to the victor.
They left the gym, not caring about the leader's dead Pokemon, but happy because Krom won. The boy was anxious, and ran straight to Route Seven, where Castle Face camped out. Saria took Kyouhei to the tower nearby, to ring the bell for her fallen Munna, and Kyouhei's fallen Growlithe. Krom waited for the Samurott to appear, and the sun began it's descent. Krom called upon the Oozaru, the Infernape smiling as he held his staff. "Can you wield a sword?" he asked, tilting his head. The ape nodded, using Swords Dance and Fire Punch together, making a blade of flame shoot out from his palm.
The blade attracted the Samurott, who emerged from the forest. It was different from the others, as it's fur was darker, and it's armor like scales were a pinkish rusted color instead of yellow. Krom smiled, telling the ape to do his best. The otter drew his two blades, and the Oozaru created another blade, using Thunder Punch instead. The two charged at each other, speed and skill their only weapons.
The two blew by each other, slicing without any indication of being struck. Infernape's blades dissipated, and the Samurott sheathed his. They both looked up, and then the Samurott fell to it's knees, the loser of the bout. Krom smiled, liking the show of samurai dueling, enhanced by the falling Sakura petals, the pink flowers decorating the scene and the Pokemon. Krom pulled a Pokeball from his belt, and flung it at the otter.
The Pokemon had been defeated, and held no honor. In samurai civilization, the loser would normally commit Seppuku, a ritual suicide. But, as a Samurott does not possess the proper blade for such a task, he would submit to the victor and their wishes. As such, the Pokemon offered no resistance when the Pokeball absorbed it. When the ball popped, Krom cheered. He loosed the Pokemon, deciding to call him Jack. "Samurott Jack. Has a nice ring to it." he said, petting the otter.
Saria and Kyouhei emerged from the tower, and he noticed she was upset. Bringing back the memory of loss to an emotional Pokemon, not counting the fact that humans are more emotional, and a mixture would be disastrous, was in fact, disastrous. Krom spent the rest of the day close to her, trying to comfort her. He promised her that once he was champion, he would find a Munna related to her's, and capture it for her.
She smiled, somewhat uplifted by the act. Kyouhei giggled, saying that he'd like another Growlithe, but stating it had to be specific. Krom inquired what he meant, and Kyouhei smiled. "It has to have certain moves and stuff." he said, smiling. Krom rolled his eyes, laughing with the boy. All the other Pokemon listened to Granitwarf speak of the battle, the story angering Castle Face.
"A fucking PLANE!? You could have fucked with that to carry us instead of me! Just FUCK! YOU!" he grumbled, and the dwarf laughed, downing a barrel of mead. The bestial Pokemon was just old and grumpy, and woke up under the wrong side of the camper.
Kooky was the only one inside the camper, and he looked at his masks. A clown, a Quagsire, Misty Kasumi, and a huge Krookodile skull that he liked to wear. He smiled at them, feeling his scar move with his other facial muscles. He touched the scar, growling at it. If only he'd have refused to listen.
The elderly woman watched the footage of Clay's battle with Krom, replaying the ending. That Pawniard was familiar to her, and she wondered from where. The X scar she knew was inflicted years ago, and the Pawniard was older than some Bisharp. She saw him scream, and her memory kicked in.
She remembered a trainer, hardheaded and foolhardy. He was young, and always wore a suit. He was a strong trainer, and challenged her on his terms. His team was easily dispatched by her Seviper, all six unable to take a Poison Jab. He growled sending out a seventh Pokemon, she remembered. It was a Pawniard, who didn't wear his helmet. The trainer called him Bacchus, and she remembered a smaller Pawniard she defeated before. She smiled, remembering the battle.
The little ninja fought hard, but took two hard Night Slashes from her viper. The wound was horrible, and he still fought afterward. She swore the wound opened so much she could see his skull. After he fell from blood loss, the trainer abandoned him, saying it was his fault. That trainer lived to this day, regretting the foolhardy decision. He wanted to be grand champion, but ended up elite four member of Unova.
Grimsley sat with his Bisharp, watching the footage over and over. The memories crushed his spirit, and Shauntal rubbed his cheek. "It's him, isn't it?" she asked. He nodded, and the Bisharp watched closely. Grimsley's Bisharp was infact Kooky's younger brother, and he idolized the larger Pawniard. Now, he laid in the grasp of Krom Hitoawa, and Grimsley smiled. He couldn't wait to face the Pawniard again after wronging him so.
The Pawniard sat looking out the window, blades gleaming in the night light. His name was etched in trees across the region. Bisharp everywhere were angered by his mark. His name as a wild Pawniard was Moonblade, and he kept that name even to this day. The dwarf had heard his story, and chuckled. "Impressive name. I'm Granitwarf. You're Kooky Bacchus Moonblade. Actually has a nice ring to it. Maybe I'll forge you some blades out of Bisharp spine, and lace it with Moon Stone." he said, rubbing his chin. The Pawniard giggled, liking the idea.
What he wanted was to challenge his younger brother, Bladesink, to battle. Grimsley had caught both of them, giving his brother the name Petrus. The two were an amazing team. He'd like to challenge that Seviper again, but knew his trainer was at fault. He didn't care if the trainer felt he was better off without him, you never abandon a Pokemon. Never. Not if you know what's good for you.