StevenZ12 : Good day to you all. I hope you are doing well. I am doing great right now. For once, i don't have any ted talk or stuff like that to give here. Just happy to be able to post this chapter. Without further ado...
Previously on the Legend of Quetzar : Snow barely managed to qualify for the BET part of Jade Forest's Pokemon Contest. She fought valiently, but was defeated in the end by a more experienced Alice. With the contest now over, it's Andre's time to shine. How will he do on his upcoming trial?
Chapter 15 : Jade Gym Showdown!
The evening after the contest had been rather quiet. Andre had brought Snow back from the pond area in the temple, the white haired teen blissfully asleep on his back, her arms wrapped around the raven haired's neck. This scene had everyone cooing at their cuteness...to the big mortification of Andre who kind of turned pink at all the stares. Sven didn't say anything when they finally arrived at the Pokemon Center, but his face wanted to say it all. The teen did not wake up even when Andre tapped her hands to make her wake up, so he had to tuck her in bed. That contest truly had taken a toll on her. Andre stared at Snow's peaceful sleeping face and sighed, his heart softened by Snow's cuteness at this moment. The teen wordlessly left the room to join Sven back in their room. The older teen looked up once Andre made it to the room.
''How is she?'' Sven asked Andre as he tucked away his book.
''Snow? She's sleeping peacefully in her room. She didn't even wake up...'' He commented as he sat on his bed, sighing contently. Aguade waddled around reaching and striking a conversation with Sven's Gilla. Andre also released Peppit so he could stretch his paws a bit.
'' I see. So now that the contest is done, what will you guys do?'' Sven asked
Andre smiled competitively; ''...tomorrow I plan on battling the Gym leader ! I think I have waited long enough for that!" He announced, both Peppit and Aguade Perking up at the term" ''Gym Battle..?". A little confused, Peppit hopped to his trainer's lap and looked up to him, his eyes full of questions.
"What is it little guy ?" Andre Asked, gently rubbing him under his chin with a finger, making him growl gently in contentment, After that, the little hare pokemon started to emit soft purrs and growls along with his name syllables, trying to make Andre understand that he didn't know what Gym battles were. Andre was a little puzzled however, he knew that his pokemon had questions but he didn't know what exactly it was.
Sven had understood the question perfectly but decided to allow the teen to try to decipher each other by themselves, thinking that it would strenghten their bond further. Andre decided to try some of the Answers that he thouhgt as Peppit continued to explain him what he meant. "Are you asking what's for breakfast tomorrow ?" He tried, a little unsure of himself. Peppit quickly denied it being the right answer by shaking his head left to right.
"Hmmm...then is it ...Who is the gym leader ?" He asked. The grass/Fire type perked up and smiled as his trainer had come close, but it wasn't quite like it, so he was forced to shake his head but looked hopefully up to his trainer to encourage him to keep trying. "Awww.." Andre sighed, ruffling his hair in aggravation. " How am I supposed to understand him..? "He lamented. "Don't give up you little kid ! You're close !'' Sven Cackled. The Peppit then had an Idea. He knew that the humans were good to decipher mimicks, so he hopped off his lap and cried his name in order to gain his attention. Then, he made few jab motions with his paws before looking at Andrew while putting both his paws at his shoulders level and shrugging them, all while having an interogative look on his face. The mimickry performance made all the trio laugh, making a nearby Nurse Joy smile happily at the scene. The hilarity passed, Andre cleared his troat, having finally caught on what the little grass type was asking.
" I see ! You actually want to know what a gym battle is don't you ?" He tried, making both Peppit and Aguade Jump in exitement, happy that their trainer was spot on.
"Phew, it took you long enough..." Sven muttered, holding back a bad joke from crossing his lips line of defense.
"What was that Sven ?" He asked, looking suspiciously at the older teen, who quickly replied " Nothing" before sitting back down and finishing his read
Now turning toward his two pokemon, Andre sat down with both of them coming on his lap and nuzzling him. He then proceeded to tell them about gym battles. "A gym battle is essentially a trial that puts the battle prowess, tactical skills, adaptation skills and abilities, as well as heart and the bond between a trainer and his pokemons to the test. They are held by humans in what we call Gym are often the strongest trainer of a city and they are part of the Pokemon League circuit. My goal is to defeat all 12 Leaders of the said circuit in order to participate to the pokemon league and of course i cannot do it by myself. This is why i would like to ensure that you all are with me in this. So are you ready to take on the pokemon league with me?" Andre asked both his pokemon, who eagerly answered by the affirmative.
They looked ready and a fire was burning in their eyes, as such confirming their readiness to battle hard alongside their trainer. Andre didn't need to understand his pokemon 100% to understand that he had received their approbation and willingness to travel with him on this Gym badge Journey. He felt pumped and actually relieved that he wouldn't forcing his pokemon to battle against their wishes.
"Tomorrow morning, we will get up a little early so we can train a little bit before the match. It's been a while since we had any training or battles so we might need to be in sync before actually challenging the gym leader. Then we will head around the afternoon to the gym alright ?" He informed his pokemon who nodded. Peppit felt especially thrilled by this perspective, as he would finally be able to show what he could do as a Pokemon, having never battled under Andre's orders before. After a short while, everyone went to bed, the following day bringing promises of Glory for the young trainer.
*** The following Morning ***
The sun filthered from Andre's window. The raven haired trainer finally woke up and stretched. Today was the day he would go get his first badge on the Nuevo League circuit and he was positively pumped at the idea to get his battles on. He felt more energized than ever before and would jump around if he wasn't afraid of looking ridiculous. Very soon afterward, both Peppit and Aguade fluttered their eyelids before waking up.
"Damn that was a good night. I kept dreaming about beating up the first gym and eating 4 times my body weight in food" Aguade growled, stretching his tail to remove any stiffness.
"Man, I can't say i had the same type of dream..." Peppit admitted, turning his head away.
"Really? What type of dream was it?" Aguade chuckled before going and hugging Andre's leg.
"Nothing much..."Peppit said, also climbing on Andre's lap to claim his morning pets.
Andre smiled upon seeing the interactions. "Have you guys slept well ? I hope you did because today we're taking our first steps as future champions" He announced while petting his pokemon. They both growled in happiness as he kept this on for a while. The teen got dressed and he headed toward the common Area, joining Sven and Snow who were already up and tending to their Pokemon. Snow and Andre smiled at each other, a hidden message passing between them. Sven's eyebrow twitched, but he didn't push it. Instead, he gave a vigorous handshake to Andre when he was close, the teen happily returning it.
"Good morning Snow! Did you sleep well ?" Asked her. The latter nodded. ''Best I had yet... what about you?" She replied, stretching a bit to remove some stiffness present in her shoulders. An innocent gesture, right? The Raven haired teen smiled broadly.'' Yup, i am all pumped and ready to go!'' He replied before turning to Sven and asking him the same question. Sven shrugged; ''Well considering I didn't receive any call back from my mistress, i'd say pretty bad. But at least I was able to get to bed without the use of Spore. I'm eager to see how you'll perform today." He said, making Gilla groan at the terrible, terrible puns. Both Snow and Andre didn't seem to notice and they prepped to ravenously devour their food...before Snow slapped Andre's hand.
"What was that for Snowy ?" Andre asked, rubbing his hand to make the stinging sensation dissapear.
"Silly Andre, did you even wash your hands before coming on the table ?" She asked, giggling at Andre's now contrit face. Groaning and blushing, the boy got up and went to clean up his hands as all the table heartily laughed at his expense, making him glare at them. However inside, he was really happy.
Once their meal were over, Andre spent some time training his pokemon so they could be fresh and dispo for the match. It included few strategy making, a little readaptation training and a trip to Nurse Joy to heal them for the big fight. After having groomed his pokemons, The raven haired trainer then took his stuff and headed out, his two companions right beside him toward the Jade Forest Gym. They went past the great temple that had seen Snow's debut just a day before and arrived in front of a giant Wooden building with Jade stone pieces scattered in the wall. The building seemed to be really wide, and was made of perfectly cylindric wooden logs. Andre felt a little uneasy, now that he was finally in front of the said gym, about the upcoming battle but steeled his was it after all, the time had come to test his mettle. Snow gently put her hand on Andre's shoulder, smiling confidently."Don't worry so much Andre, you'll do great" She said, looking at him with a look that indicated that she had total confidence in him. Sven then gave Andre a firm slap in the back. "Don't cower now man. I know you can make it !" He encouraged the teen, who smiled.
"Thanks you guys." He muttered before letting out both Aguade and Peppit.
"Okay Itzatl and Peppit, now's the time to make it happen. Let"s get inside!" He said, pushing the door of the pokemon gym. " Excuse me ! I am Andre Cautemoc Aegis from Lentimas town and I request a Gym battle !" He announced, his voice full of confidence and determination.
After a few seconds, a small gust made leaves and dust fly around the arena, making a part of it dissapear under all the debris that were obscuring their views. Once the dust settled, a tall teenager wearing a green and black Ranger outfit had descended to the center of the battle field.
"I welcome you to the Jade city pokemon Gym. My name is Forrest and I am one of the Twin Gym leaders of this City. I study Dual typed grass type. If you think you can overpower my partners just because of type advantages you are in for a loong loong afternoon !" He introduced himself.
"I won't underestimate you but i'm here to win this !" Andre shouted, going into battle mode.
"Well you certainly don't waste any time youngster!" I will enjoy battling you i'm sure! Now Sven old friend, if you don't mind refereeing..." He started, making Ambaros smile. "Sure dude. We do have to catch up after this right ?" He asked. Forrest nodded immediately. "Of course man." He then turned to Snow and asked her kindly to go to the stands where she could watch the battle.
Once Snow had made it to her stand and Sven to his refereeing space. Both trainers got to their side of the field and prepared to hear Sven's announcement of the rules.
"This battle will be an official Jade Badge Gym battle between the Gym Leader Forrest and the challenger Andre from Lentimas town. Each trainer will have the right to use two pokemon each and this battle will be over once both side have no pokemon left to continue. Furthermore only the challenger will be allowed to switch his pokemon. Both trainer , do remember that you are under the watchful eyes of the Mother of the Forest Patama, to honor her spirit please battle honorably and accept both Victory and Defeat with grace !Now please send out your first pokemon.''
Forrest smiled, his time finally arriving. He always enjoyed taking on young, aspirting trainers.
🎵 - Magolor - Kirby Return to Dreamland - 🎵
" Let's Frenzy ! Go Xochili !" The gym leader shouted, sending out a strange pokemon out of his pokeball. The pokemon looked like a potted plant, having a brown pot-like body with two yellow glimmering yellow eyes, two brown vine like limbs that protruded from each side of his body. Underneath the pot, three root made office of legs. The pokemon seemed ready to rumble in a spectacular fashion growling in aggression. Andre pulled his pokedex out to scan the pokemon that he obviously never had seen before.
"Pottle, the Ingrain Pokemon. Often mystaken for a potted plant, many people get bitten by that pokemon when they treat it roughly. Otherwise they are passive pokemon for the most part, they just have a nasty temper sometimes. It deviously infiltrates homes and fools unwary humans into caring for it. If discovered, Pottle will resist removal by stubbornly rooting into place." The encyclopedia informed Andre. The teen silently thanked the electronical device. Putting his pokedex away, he decided to send in the pokemon he though that was best in this situation. Pottle was obviously a grass type, so the best choice would be...
"Peppit, Stand by for battle!" He shouted, launching his pokeball forward, revealing his Bunny pokemon who let out a cry of competitiveness that accurately described how fired up both trainers and Pokemons were at the prospect of the battle.
"Ready to rumble ugly?" The Pepper bunny taunted the plant pokemon, who menacingly spouted gibberish at Peppit.
"I will grind you to dust" The pot pokemon growled before stretching his vine like limbs in a menacing fashion.
"It seems that our pokemon are anxious to start this fight. ! Let's not making them wait any longer shall we ?" Forrest Proposed with Andre nodding.
Snow closed her her eyes and silently prayed for Andre's victory. " Please be careful Andre..." She softly whispered, looking wistfully at the boy she liked. Vulpix sensed her unease and liked her hand in an attempt to calm her down. It worked.
"Thank you Vixen, you are so sweet.." She thankfully petted her fire type starter.
"He'll be fine. I approved him after all." She growled, smiling at the boy who had softened her trainer's heart.
"BEGIN THE MATCH !" Sven announced.
"Alright Xochili. Let's start with Leech Seed !" Forrest commanded.
"Off we go, my lovely seeds" Pottle shouted, launching several seeds at Peppit.
"That was wrong on so many levels..." Peppit said, his eyes widening.
Andre knew what leech seed did after talking about it the morning before the match with Sven. He knew it could mean trouble if the battle lasted.
"Pit ! We cannot allow that to touch us. Launch an Ember attack" Andre countered fiercely, sweeping the hair with his right hand.
"Not about to let that hit me." The pepper bunny cackled in his language before dodging a few seeds, building the time he needed to get the searing embers ready for launching. Then he Jumped and released the searing embers, making the remaining seed explode.
"Not bad at all bro. But how about this.. Xochili, let's go for Pound attack." Forrest said, staying on the offensive.
"Peppit, Before they can hit us let's get a hit in. Quick Attack !" Andre ordered, a quick, simple plan forming in his head.
"Imma pound you down you stupid Bunny !" The Pottle treatened, preparing to launch his now shining Vines.
However it left Peppit unimpressed as he landed on his paw and used his powerful hind leg muscles to propel himself so fast that before the Pottle had the time to get a hit in, The Grass/Fire type had already crashed unto him, sending him across the battlefield.
"How do you like that? You don't sound so though now arent you ?" Peppit taunted with a litte cry of happiness as his move worked so well, startling the Pottle into not using the Pound attack.
Andre wouldn't lose the opportunity at all here, and saw an opening now That Peppit was close.
"Let's turn on the heat buddy. Ember again !" He shouted.
"Damnit, Dodge Pottle !" Forrest said. He knew however there were very little chances that Pottle, being relatively slow, would evade such a point blank attack. As such it was normal that the grass type received the full force of the attack. Having the poor Pottle screaming in pain.
"Ahhhhh ! I hate fire, I hate fire. Get it off off off !" He screamed, feeling a burn spreading throughout his grass body.
"Haha here ! Take that !" The peppit said. However, the bunny was starting to get a little tired from all that attack making and stopped to catch his breath. A thing that would be proven fatal for the Pepper bunny.
"Ha ! You seem to still be a young peppit and having problem with keeping your attacks going...I'm sorry but that is going to cost you..." Forrest said, his Pottle eerily smiling. Andre didn't like this sign and became defensive. "Peppit ! Be careful,we don't know what they might be up to..." The trainer warned his pokemon.
"I know boss, i don't like the way that potted plant is smiling at me.." The peppit growled, eyeing the grass type.
"Alright, Let us attack while they are still recovering ! Pottle Sandstorm !" Forrest commanded, making his pokemon almost squeal in delight.
"My Favorite... Prepare to taste the fury of the Desert..." The Ingrain Pokemon shouted, smiling all the while.
🎵 - Mind in a Program - Kirby Planet Robobot - 🎵
The Pottle pokemon released an intense gust of wind that buffeted the whole area, making the Poor Peppit growl in pain as his field of vision was reduced, his hearing muffled and that the harsh sandstorm was raking his body mercilessly.
" I hope you are enjoying the sandstorm, I have to admit Xochili made it pretty rough this time." Forrest shouted arrogantly while shouting his next command. " Now Xochili. Vine Whip!"
He commanded, leaving Andre Dumbfounded. "Stay on your toes Peppit, Keep moving so he can't pinpoint your position and Use Ember!" The raven haired trainer shouted. However, it wasn't even sure that the Pepper Bunny pokemon had even heard what he had said.
Inside the Sandstorm, the poor Bunny was completely disoriented...He couldn't even hear his trainer and found it very unsettling. However, when he throught that nothing could be going worse for him, he got hit by many Vine whips, while they weren't doing that much damage individually, the fact that he was repeatdly running and being hit by the vine whip, plus the sandstorm, made his stamina drain fast, really fast !"
"Damnit How do you keep finding me, that sandstorm is so thick i can't see a thing !" Peppit growled in pain and frustration.
Hidden in the sandstorm, a voice was heard..."I told you I would make you regret calling me Ugly you Jerky Bunny. I'll smack you up until you cry to your Mama." The ingrain pokemon said, hitting him a few more times with Vine whip.
This time it was very painful for Peppit, who shouted in pain. A wail that was heard all the way to Andre, who bit his lip in frustration ! "Peppit !" He shouted in panic. "Peppit, follow the sound of my voice and come back to me ! Peppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit !" Andre shouted, desesperate to have his Pokemon next to him.
"Xochili, don't let him escape, Vine Whip !" Forrest ordered.
Andre wasn't about to let him have his way. " Peppit, you have to trust me, Use Quick Attack in the Direction of my voice!" He shouted at the top of his lungs.
In the sandstorm, the Grass/Fire type could hear a voice calling him ! His large ears felt a short weakening of the Sandstorm, which was a Godsend since he could hear his trainer calling out for him. Mustering all his willpower, being pretty banged up by the Sandstorm and the multiple lashes on his body made by the constant raking of the vines and the sand, he pushed hard on his hind legs, leaving a white trail behind him as he shot through the sandstorm to come back in his Trainer's arms, nuzzling him happily, filled with relief.
"You did well Pit..You should rest for now, i might need you later !" He said, softly petting Peppit's head, making him growl im contentment. Then Andre returned it to his Pokeball and grabbed his starter's
" You did well in returning your Peppit. Indeed you don't know what i have in store so it was a good choice. Obviously you care about your pokemon's safety before winning and that is a good quality in any trainer." Forrest praised the teen, who turned away, a little embarassed..
It was instant teasing material and as Sven had to remain Neutral, Snow happily took on the rôle of the teaser. " Aww, is my little Andre's embarrassed ? Look how cute are his cheek dusted red..." She said in a sing-song manner, making vulpix , Sven and even Forrest chuckle...
"Stooop doing that Snow.." Andre sheepishly said while blushing furiously. " Itzatl, let's Dance !" He said, lauching his pokeball Forward. Soon the blue Salt lizard pokemon appeared, ready to fight and looking at the Pottle like a simple enemy to defeat !
"Imma make you pay for what you did to my boy Peppit. I hope you like your leaves extra chewed" He treatened, crouching down. This made the eyes of the poor ingrain pokemon widen fast.
Andre sweatdropped, a little weirded out by his starter's attitude. "Itzatl, think you can battle now ?"
He asked. His blue little starter gave him an approving look and jumped up and down in exitement.
"Of course I am ! Do you really think i wouldn't battle that Ugly Plant over there ?" He said, making the Pottle See red.
" I am NOT Ugly Jerk..." He growled, making a sandstorm of his own depart once more.
Forrest sweatdropped, wondering what the Blue starter could have said to his Xochili to make him so mad ! " Well, i guess i have called my move !" He nervously laughed.
Andre smirked. "I'm not having that nonsense again ! Itzatl, Dragon Dance !" He commanded.
Despite being buffeted by the sandstorm, the blue lizard focused and managed to complete his Dragon Dance. Andre decided to now use his strategy. It was a gamble, but it could work. After all he had seen it many times on Television. " Okay Aguade, I need you to aim your water gun at the sky ! Trust me buddy !" He encouraged his starter.
"What is he thinking ? But he does seem like he has a plan. Anyway if it backfires i'll just rake him with my claws !" He thought before raising his muzzle up in the air and firing a stream of water.
"Where are you aiming you little guy ?" Pottle mocked, preparing to launch his vines as a whip once more. Almost as soon has he made the movement, he felt a droplet, then two, then four , then many droplet of water falling down, nullifying the sandstorm as The Poor Pot was Soaked.
Andre smiled , pumping his fist into the air " Yes ! No more sandstorm for you !" He cheekily taunted the grass leader, who smiled, a little surprised by internally praising the youngster's resourcefulness.
Snow was also awed at Andre's manoever. " He used the water fun attack to create a rain effect, effectively cancelling the Sandstorm ! That was pretty Good Andre ! Keep Going like this!" She cheered, making him smile a little. Then he decided to finish this round with a bang.
"Alright Itzatl, let's finish this in Style. Salt Crash !" He ordered the water type who happily Jumped up and went for a crash course with his paws glowing white while his claws became covered in salt.
"Don't let it touch you Xochili. Vine whip !" Forrest hastily ordered, judging the falling speed of Itzalt too fast to be stopped by sandstorm.
"Eat the Pacific mate !" Itzatl said as he zeroed quickly toward the Pottle, whose vines glowed green. " No way in hell that's happening." Pottle growled, lauching panickly his vines at Aguade.
The Vine Whip did try to swat away at Aguade, but the fact that they were partialy made of Dirt and soil made them absorb the water energy around his paws and became too heavy to move. Itzatl then used that aspect to push even harder on the vines, which made them fall to the ground as the Salt lizard pokemon crashed on the Pottle, making him cry out in pain. The sheer force of the impact made the dust around them fly around, obscuring the view. Once it came back down, the Pottle was Uncounscious with his tongue lolling out.
Sven smiled for a shadow of a time before raising his flag toward Andre, his face back to Neutral.
" Pottle is no longer able to battle. The round goes to Andre and Itzatl !"
" Good Job Itzatl, you're the mon !" He shouted, making the blue pokemon jump in happiness, happily chanting his name.
"Now who's bad ? Who'se the cool guy ? Who's an Awesome, handsome lizard ! I'll tell you who ! That's me !" He boasted. Making Sven, who could understand him clearly and Vixen smack their forehead.
Forrest returned his fallen Pottle. " You did great my friend. Take a long Rest" He soothingly said to his pokeball, seeing the Pottle smile at him before falling asleep in his ball. Turning to Andre, he allowed a full blow competitive smile to give birth on his face. " I have to say i am impressed so far. I command you to figure a way out of our vine whip trap so fast ! However, I wonder how you will deal with this one. Yaolt ! I need your assistance." He shouted, sending in the armadillo pokemon Andre had seen before. Only know he could finally scan it.
"Dilloweed, the Tumbleweed Pokemon. As food in the desert is scarce, the plates on Diloweed's back absorb solar energy. It curls itself up into a ball and lets the wind carry it if it is tired. This pokemon is known to be really rough to the touch, however if he dosen't feel treatened his spines will become soft and won't hurt."
" That isn't much information there...But hey we can work with that can't we my friend ?" Andre shouted to his starter, who growled his name happily in repliance.
" The next round will feature Itzatl versus Yaotl ! NOW BEGIN !"
" Alright Aguade ! Let's power up now. Dragon Dance !" Andre commanded what could be now called his favourite move on Itzatl, who seemed to enjoy the feeling of nimbleness and power this perticular dance had on him. He absolutely loved doing it and it was with pleasure that he started stomping the ground, making electricity crack around him.
" Don't let them do what they want to do ! Yaotl, let's lauch sharp leaves , Razor Leaf !" Forrest countered.
The tumbleweed leaned back then lauched his body forward, making the sharp leaves on his back launch like missiles toward itzatl who finished his Dance just on time.
"Dodge it ! Then close in with Scratch !" Andre said. Persuaded that this battle was as good as won thanks to his Aguade's many boost, he wasn't aware of the slight smirk the Gym leader was sporting.
Andre felt a strange Omen fall unto him and decided to go for raw power... "Itzatl, transform that scratch into a Salt Crash ! I have a Bad feeling !" He shouted to his starter, who spinned once before turning to his paws into two salt hardened hammer. Forrest didn't order his pokemon to move, which unsettled the starter, but he decided not to give any thoughts as he crashed into the Diloweed, making a lot of dust rise yet again around the battlefield, obscuring the view for a short moment.
"Haha ! Great Job Itzatl, we've won this for sure !" Andre said, getting ready to celebrate his first gym victory in the region.
Forrest smiled evilly. " Are you that sure of yourself young man ?" He mocked as the dust cleared. A very bright light was emitted from the Dilloweed and the heat in the battlefield suddenly rose several new levels. Instead of having his paws smashed on the Tumbleweeds pokemon back... they were smashed agaisnt a wall of jagged leaves, making him shout in pain.
"Since when were you under the impression that you weren't the bait ?" Forrest said while trusting his hand forward ! " Now Razor Leaf !" He commanded.
"Did you think it would be that easy to defeat us ? You are sadly mystaken Lizard. Now take this !" The Diloweed said, converting his shield into a Violent Razor Leaf that cut him everywhere
" You should know better but to underestimate a Gym Leader Pal !" He said, standing tall as Itzatl was severely damaged by the razor leaf attack !
The Salt Lizard pokemon was violently launched backward, landing on his rear, severely damaged.
Andre couldn't believe how tough that leaf shield was. He then remarked that the temperature had risen several degrees. The field was really luminous and scalding. It then dawned on Andre what actually had happened...and he completely stopped talking. He couldn't believe how slick that Gym Leader was. Forrest Chuckled upon seeing his face, knowing he didn't truly understand what just had occured.
"You have the face of someone who's completely unawar of whatjust happened aren't you ?" He mocked the teen, who glared at him.
"What the Arceus did you do ?" Andre asked, feeling all the muscles of his body tense up in anticipation.
"It's simple, I had Diloweed use Sunny Day right before you landed on him like the Angel Of Death." He explained, as the tumbleweed pokemon nodded in agreement.
Itzatl glared at Yaotl in anger. "That dosen't explain why the goddamn leaves protected him though Sunny day isn't only a stupid call of the sun or something ?" He cried, making the nessesary gestures to make Andre understand his point.
Yaolt just laughed : " Poor you, I guess you'd never understand even if we dumbed it down for you !" Taunted the grass type while smirking. That behavior made Aguade see only red and he started cracking black and blue energy around him initating Dragon dance...
🎵 - Music : Naruto OST : Orochimaru Full theme - 🎵
Andre looked at Aguade... " Itzatl no not yet, don't use a move i'm not done thinking yet !" He pleaded, hoping to bring his pokemon back to reason. It failed, as the Salt lizard kept using the move.
"I'm not stopping until he's dead" Stubbornly replied the water type, initiating a second Dragon Dance.
Forrest laughed to himself. "Well Yaotl, let's go for another Razor Leaf attack." He commanded, making snipe motion with his arms.
"Sure Chief. I'll show that little man the true power of a pokemon and Trainer Kombo." The grass type hedgehog nodded, sending a flurry of leaves toward him.
Then Diloweed launched a torrent of sharpened leaves toward that sped up and sourrounded Aguade.. Forrest Smirked. The Trap had been set and he knew specifically what to do to take Aguade out. Unaware of this, Andre wondered how to evade the incoming leaves. Andre deduced quickly that the only way Itzatl could dodge an omnidirectionnal attack would be by jumping up ! And that's what indeed he instructed the water type to do. "Itzatl ! We cannot avoid it by conventional dodging. Jump to dodge ! Then Lunge at him with Salt Crash !" He instructed, making his Aguade give him a toothy smile. "About time you made me attack this jerk Andre. Remind me to prank you later for that !" He roared before using his boosted power to jump high, then lunge at Diloweed whose eyes widened!"
Forrest Smiled. " I need you to take it for the team my friend. Brace yoursel for impact !" He shouted. Hearing that Diloweed planted his paws in the ground and looked fiercely at the incoming Salt lizard pokemon. "Incoming !" He cried out in his own poketongue, right before he got hit by Aguade rather violently. This time, it wasn't only a dust cloud that was made, but an actual crater.
"Yaotl !" Forrest shouted in worry. He hadn't completely acknowledged the stenght of an Aguade who had rose it's attack power and speed 4 times. But then he saw the tumbleweed pokemon rolling of the crater, hurt but still ready to fight."Good thing we had this leaf shield ready...And now he'll try to finish him off. I'll just give him a little Push..." He thought before cupping his hands in a makeshift megaphone. "Okay Diloweed, you have been hurt, stay back a little so you can recover, run toward the forest !" He ordered the Dilo, who started to pad slowly to the forest.
Andre couldn't believe it ! He actually had in the ropes a gym leader for the first time in his life. The Blood rushed to his head and almost all sense of understanding left him. He wanted to finish him right there and now with the most flashy attack possible. At the speed the Diloweed was moving, there were no chance he could avoid another aerial assault from his Aguade. " Alright! Let's win ourselves a Gym badge ! Itzarl, let's finish with Salt crash, jump and dive to the gold !" he exitedly shouted. "Alright,let's see how you take that +4 Salt Crash you bastard !" Itzatl shouted at Diloweed who looked panicked as he picked up speed in order to get to the forest.."Nope Nope Nope Nope..." He repeatidly said, trying his hardest to reach the safe land.
Forrest smirked...then smiled evilly at Andre...who didn't understand." Hey Buddy, you're about to lose, why aren't you worried?" He asked. Forrest didn't even answer as he pointed to his heart, then to his eyes. Afterward, he smiled again and said; "That is what i like with Challengers like you. They are good and show promise, and they are even a little cocky too...yet they are so easily manipulated...'' he said. These words were so bizarre for an Andre who was sure that the victory was at hand that he snapped out of his bloodrush and looked in alarm at his Aguade as he understood that it was all an act and that his pokemon was headed right to a catastrophy.
"Itz..." He started, only to be immediately cut off by Forrest. "Too late for that Andre ! Yaotl, Leaf Shield ! Then Finish him with Razor Leaf !" He commanded.
Aguade had launched itself toward the Tumbleweed pokemon and had made contact, which created another crater. However, once the dust receded, the Salt lizard pokemon was growling in pain as the sharp shield, taking the Diloweed's rough skin attribute. And greatly hurt his paw.
"How the fuck were you able to whistand my attack... you were on the verge of fainting..." Aguade whined.
"It's simple. I wasn't on the verge of fainting at all you idiot. I simply tricked you into thinking it an now you crashed into a shield of jagged leaves..Now's the time to sleep you overgrown lizard." Growled the Tumbleweed before blasting him off with a violent flurry of leaves. The Razor sharp projectiles mercilessly cut the Salt lizard pokemon who gave an agonizing shriek before laying motionless in a heap next to Andre, defeated.
"You sneaky litle bas..tard.." Itzatl muttered before his eyes were replaced by swirl, indicating his defeat.
Forrest laughed while petting his Diloweed, whose tail wagged happily. " This is how it's done here in the Nuevo Region Mate. We aren't so weak that we can be beaten simply because you've powered up Boi" The ranger themed teen said, having Andre fall on his knees, flaggerbasted at how them gym leader was able to conduct such a strategy without him even noticing it.
Andre was completely overcome by sorrow and shame. How could he allow something so foolish to happen...he was played like a violin, packed, folded and tossed aside. The gym leader got him so good you couldn't even feel any sympathy coming from him. " Return Aguade...I'm sorry I failed you." He muttered, a single tear running on his cheek. Yes, that was how ashamed he felt.
Snow hated to see him like this, and was about to shout something, but then saw Sven looking at her with a frown. He then shook his head and the white haired maiden understood the message. She couldn't pick him up, not there. The man just understood that the league was no child's play.
"Andre ! That's enough berating. What pitiful excuse of a trainer you are. The match isn't over yet ! You show promise indeed but if that's all it takes to have you on your knees like a begging baby Cubone you aren't ready to take on the Nuevo league. We might be a young league but every leader is hard on his own right and will put you against various situation. You'd better pick yourself up quick before I disqualify you for stalling ! Show me where you stand as a trainer. Even if you lose, i want to see some backbone !" Forrest angrily shouted, his Diloweed shouting in name, seconding every single word his trainer said.
Sven looked at Forrest, a smirk on his face. "Well he really wanna see him battle at his fullest the little guy dosen't it. What passionate speech. Now how will you handle him Andre.." The Older teen said as he rose his flags. " Itzatl is now KO The round goes to The Gym leader and Yaotl. He announced. " Now the last round will have Pit the Peppit battling Yaotl the Diloweed. Trainer show courage and may the best win." He said, motioning to Andre to send his next pokemon forward.
The teen felt a rage building in him. A very strong and violent feeling that overhelmed him until he started gritting his teeth. "You'll see if i'm a pathetic trainer ! I'm going to win this you bastard ! Onward pit. Since they like to play with the forest so much, let's cut their retreat ! Ember behind him on the bushes." He angrily shouted, his Peppit suddenly feeling full of energy.
"I'm not letting anyone down. Feel the buuuurn !" The hare shouted as he shot searing embers aroud the field, effectively setting a part of the field on fire.
"Damn, you dare do that to my forrest ! I'll show you ! Rollout !"A very angry diloweed bellowed as he started rolling rapidly toward the Hare.
Sven chuckled. ''It seems that the pokemons really wanna tussle it out. Last round today's gym battle, Begins !" he said, raising both flags into the air.
"Well it seems you're finally in the mood for a more serious battle. That's great !" Forrest said, grinning as he could finally once again feel the backbone of the raven haired trainer.
"Of course I am. I acted rashly and paid for it...i'm not letting you destroy my confidence either !" Andre shot back, his fist however shaking.
Snow could see right through him however. " He's still afraid...I can feel it somehow Vixen..." She whispered to her six tailed starter.
"It sure does look like he's unsure, for all the bravado he's showing." Growled in her tongue the female vulpix, looking at the battlefield.
" I'm not letting him pulling a fast one on me again. Pit, let's show him a razor leaf !" He commanded, trusting his hand forward.
"Coming right up aaaaand...AWAY !" Hipped the hare, Launching a flurry of leaves at the tumbleweed pokemon.
"Let's counter it, Diloweed, Rollout !." Forrest countered, as the grass type rolled into a ball and was launched at high speed.
The high speed rotation of Diloweed reduced the damage that he'd take from the razor leaf, finally rolling through them with almost no resistance. Very Quickly, the armadillo ran over Peppit, who wailed because of the super effective attack.
"How'd you like that mister Hare ? I hope my scales aren't to jagged for you." He mocked, as he turned around and landed a second hit on Peppit, who was launched toward the wall
" God damn...so...strong...can't...breathe..." Peppit wheezed, approaching the wall at a very fast rate.
Andre's eyes widened...He didn't want his peppit to possibly break his skull by colliding at that kind of speed against the wall. He then saw what happened to his Aguade, then to Snow's Pokemon and he grit his teeth. Not really thinking rationally, the teen ran to the wall with a speed he never knew he had and braced himself for the impact.
Snow gasped loudly upon seeing that. She immediately got up and shouted loudly to Andre. "You idiot! You can't really be thinking about what I think you want to do. It's dangerous !" She said, extremely concerned. Her pleas however were heard by everyone but the one she was pleading to, as at the same moment Pit violently impacted the teen who was shot back. The Peppit landed in front of Andre, somewhat unarmed...but Andre wasn't into such a good state. Blood could be seen seeping away of his sleeve and he was clutching his arm with a painful look on his face.
"Andre...You didn't.." Snow sorrowfull yet amazedly whispered, tears creeping up on his face.
"Damn...I never knew" Sven whistled. He had though that Andre was saying the generic beginning trainer stuff, about loving his pokemon and being ready to give up his life for them. But while he wasn't sure he'd give his life for his pokemon, he was now certain that he was ready to do anything, including hurting himself, to ensure his pokemon's safety.
Forrest was looking at Andre In shock. He and Diloweed had defeated Peppits before, and even after taking a second stage rollout and being slammed violently into the wall, they were never as heavily damaged as one could think. For him to almost break his arms in order to keep his peppit safe was something he'd never do, despite loving his pokemon very very much. However, he had to battle to the finish and having him ready go that far for his pokemon made his blood boil even more. He gave him an even greater desire to defeat him.
"Hey Andre...You okay ?" He asked, wanting to at least know if he could battle.
Andre grimaced as his arms were searing in pain, but gritted his teeth, enduring it in order to nod.
"Yes I am. Let's continue."
Forrest sighed. The more mature part of him really had wanted him to surrender, but seeing as he was stubborn, made him smile and get even more pumped. " Alright then. Yaotl in position.!" He shouted, his Dilo crouching down, his spines raised.
Andre was constantly battling with pain slowly making him go light headed. Seeing this Peppit climbed on his Shoulder, licking his cheek in worry. "Why would you do that..." The Pepper bunny pokemon asked in his tongue. Andre, hearing the sorrow in his voice, understood that he wanted to know why he had injured himself for him. "I didn't want you to get hurt and my body moved by itself...I'm not letting you get critically injured just over a gym battle...Not after I withnessed how how much it can hurt a Pokemon..." He explained, reseeing the scene where Vixen had been blasted by the Emporor Penguins. " Now don't worry about me, i'll be fine... We got a battle to win... let's get ready Pit, this is it, the final moment." He commanded, his Peppit nuzzling his cheek before jumping off his shoulder and crouching down, his eyes blazing with determination. "I'm not failing my human here ! I. WILL. WIN !" He growled, letting out a shrill cry that pierced everyone's ear.
🎵 - Pokemon Black and White - Last Pokemon (Gym) - 🎵
"Well let's get Started. ! Yaotl, Defensive Curl then Rollout. We're finishing this !" Said a very pumped Forrest. Even Sven had to admit that he was starting to get into the heat of the battle, at some point he even wished he was down there. "To think the'd ignite my old battle instinct...this Andre is something. Maybe I should start teaching him some stuff at some point.." he said, chuckling to himself.
"Peppit, close in with quick attack, them use ember to create a blazing trail. We need to burn this thing while Sunny Day is still active !" he shouted as the Peppit launched forward, a beautiful white trail augmented with blazing embers making the Hare glitter as he shot in a collision course with the tumbleweed pokemon. The Pokemon ran at each other, each screaming their own name before violently crashing against each other, creating an absolutely thunderous noise that reverberated through the whole area. Increduously neither pokemon was knocked out. Andre fell on his knees, the pain in his arms starting to make him feel dizzier and dizzier. Both trainer looked at each other and called their next attack. "Same attack. Rollout !" Said Forrest, a mad, crazy grin on his face. " Don't let up, Holy trailblazer !" shouted Andre, making Snow and Sven cringe at his naming sense. Nonetheless, the hare pokemon knew exactly what he meant somehow and pulled the same combination. The two Pokemon then kept clashing again and again, the collision chipping more and more at their health. During that exchange, Andre had an idea. ''Pit, use quick attack and jump on the tumbleweed's back!'' He commanded. Forrest wouldn't have that. " Don't think it'll be that easy to defeat us. Yaotl, let's use another LEAF SHIELD !"He countered, calling forth his ultimate defense.
"Raaaaaaahhhhhhh !" Shouted the Pepper bunny fire type ashe impacted the jagged leaves, which caused him pain. "Come on Peppit ! I believe in you !" Andre Cheered
"You won't be able break a +6 shield. I'll burry you with my razor leaf." Yaotl sneered. He didn't say that to taunt the hare but he was getting annoyed by the little Peppit's resiliance. That was before he saw peppit glow white...and suddenly pushing harder on the leaf shield. A rather violent power truggle ensued, as both pokemon and trainer knew that the one who whould step back first would lose.
"Come on Yaolt, my shield of the forest. Destroy him !" Forrest shouted, growling madly at Andre. "You've almost broken your arms. Get Defeated already !" he angrily cried out, making Sven Stare. "So he still have his anger management problem during battles... You would think getting laid with Arceus would have mellowed him..." He joked, however happy that nobody heard him talking about Arceus.
"You can try all you like pal. We all came here to win a badge, and we ain't getting of without one ! My Pokemon has been injured and made effort for this and WE. WILL. BE. REWARDED ! Peppit, one last push and he's history. Now respond to my words and heart and MAKE IT HAPPEN !" Andre passionately replied before adding more, his fist clenched "I've had enough of you. EAT...THIS !" The pepper bunny shouted to Diloweed, whose eyes widened in sudden fear. The Pepper bunny pushed even stronger against the shield. A cracking sound was heard as the Grass/Ground shield started to break "What in Quetzar's name is ? How and when did he acquire that strenght?" Dilloweed and Forrest wondered at the same time. ''One last push Pit! Break through him!'' He shouted as he trusted his fist in the air. Peppit let out a cry of bravery before putting everything he had behind the charge. The struggle didn't last for much longer after that. Breaking the shield, Peppit barrelled to Dilloweed with violence. The explosion that followed violently shook the stadium and a rush of hot air exploded in every direction. Once the cloud had cleared, the Tumbleweed pokemon was uncounscious and Peppit was struggling to stay up.
Forrest was still wide eyed...he had been defeated...and somehow a Peppit had broken through Dilloweed's defenses when they were at maximum. This had hardly happened before... He chuckled and returned his fallen Pokeonn to his Pokeball. ''You did well, Yaolt, rest well.'' He thanked his partner for the hard fought battle.
Andre was kind of there, his eyes vacant. He had been so caught up in the heat of the battle that he hadn't realized how tired he was. With all the tension and adrenaline flowing out of him, he sank to his knees, and then fell over, back on the floor, panting slighly. He then looked at Sven and gave him a toothy grin, reminding him of his job of the day. " Yaotl the Diloweed has been declared KO. The victor is Peppit. All pokemon on Forrest side has been rendered unable to battle. Therefore the victory and Jade city official badge goes to Andre Cautemoc Aegis ! Congratulation trainer !" He said, raising his flags toward Andre.
Andre smiled, joined by a very tired Peppit who tackled it in happiness, making Andre wince. His arms still hurted like mad.
Snow smiled and ran to Andre, to help him up. Once he was, she hugged him happily. ''Good Job sleepyhead!'' She congratulated him before she leaned on him. ''Now i'll have to remind you not to hurt yourself...as you seem to have forgotten...'' She whispered darkly in his ear, making him freeze and gulp in fear.
''Why me...'' He moaned as Snow giggled.
Forrest walked to Andre and presented him with a stylish Jade badge in the shape of a leaf with amardillo patterns on it. ''Well mate, as custom here and to prove that you have won against me, I present you with the Jade badge. You only need another one before facing on our District boss. Good Job...but try not to always hurt yourself man...it aint really healthy...'' He advised before giving the badge to Snow, who could carry it as Andre would get his arm checked.
Andre felt something bubble inside of him... The energy threatened to overtake him if he didn't do something quick. He felt so happy, so relieved, so pumped for his victory. Somehow, his Pokemon felt it as well and they both appeared next to him. ''We won guys, you know what that means right?'' Andre said as he tried to ignore the pain in his arms.
''We get more food?'' Aguade tried tentatively, salivating at the thought of more food...
''I get to see her?'' Peppit said, his cheeks a bit darker than his normal orange. This was a curious statement but nobody truly registered it.
Andre could tell from the slightly dumbfounded look of his Pokemon that they didn't get it. The raven haired trainer smiled; ''No guys, it means Gym leader victory pose...'' he said out loud before inhaling.
''The first step has been completed! I got the Jade Badge!'' He shouted as he took a pose, his two arms extended diagonally with one finger pointing to the skies.
Aguade and Peppit thought that this was fun, and they joined in immediately. Aguade was the first to find something original to do. He made dragon energy crack all around him before swiping up with his claws in a mighty uppercut; ''Made them pay, made them salty!'' He shouted to accentuate his gesture of triumph. Brow furrowed, Peppit was thinking before an audible *ping* was heard. He let a volley of ember attack escape his mouth, too weak to deal any sort of damage, but strong enough to create a firecracker effect. ''Glory to our friendship!'' He said as he stood on his hind legs, trying to imitate his trainer's pose.
Sven, Snow and Forrest watched in shock, a bit weirded out...
Thus Andre managed to gain his first badge of Nuevo. That was his first step, his first in a series of many.
To be continued...
StevenZ12: Review and comments :) I hope that you guys enjoyed. Stay tuned for the next chapter!
StevenZ12 Out!